New York launches $30 million tariff relief program for farmers
New York agricultural producers have until Aug. 11 to apply for a new $30 million state program intended to help offset financial losses and higher operating costs associated with federal tariffs.
The Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program will provide direct payments ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 for eligible dairy, livestock, specialty crop, and aquaculture producers. The program was included in New York’s 2026-27 state budget after being proposed earlier this year by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“The tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are reckless and damaging to so many of our industries, including our agricultural producers, who rely so heavily on the forces of international markets,” Hochul said in announcing the program. “I promised to stand up and fight for our farmers and I’m proud that our Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program will provide the much-needed relief to New York’s farmers who feed our communities.”
According to the state, producers have faced pressure from both rising input costs and export market disruptions. Officials estimate that roughly 20 percent of a farmer’s income, on average, depends on export markets. The state also said more than 80 percent of agrochemical imports and 70 percent of farm machinery imports originate from countries affected by U.S. tariffs, contributing to higher production costs.
The program includes two application tracks: one for cow dairy farms and another for livestock, livestock products, specialty crops, and aquaculture producers. To qualify, applicants must be actively farming in New York, produce an eligible commodity, derive at least two-thirds of their federal gross income in excess of $30,000 from agricultural activities as defined by New York tax law, and have their eligibility and production information certified by a qualified financial professional. Dairy applicants must also authorize the release of milk production records to verify production data.
Farm Credit East, which published guidance to help producers navigate the application process, noted that row crops eligible for the USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance Program — including corn, soybeans, wheat and barley — are not eligible for the state’s tariff relief program. The lender also encouraged producers to begin the application process early because financial certification is required before the Aug. 11 deadline.
New York Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said producers have been affected on both sides of the market.
“Farmers get hit by tariffs on both the export and import side, losing market opportunities while also facing rising costs of things like grain, equipment and fertilizer,” Ball said. “This program will ensure that the producers impacted by tariffs will receive some level of relief to help offset these new expenses and safeguard their operation.”
Speaking with Spectrum News, Ball said the uncertainty surrounding trade policy continues to weigh heavily on producers’ business decisions.
“The biggest enemy that we have right now is uncertainty,” Ball said. “If you haven’t sold all of last year’s crop and you’re getting ready to plant, do you expand? Do you plant more, plant less? What’s the market going to look like? Are you going to be able to afford the fertilizer to finish the crop?”
Applications for the Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program are available through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and must be submitted by Aug. 11. Only complete applications will be considered for payment.
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