Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will administer the $614,000 fund, which will provide grants from $15,000 to up to $50,000 for eligible early stage farmers who substantially and materially participate in the production of an agricultural product on a commercial farm operation within New York. Funds can be used for up to 50 percent of project costs including, but not limited to: lease or purchase of farm machinery and equipment; construction or expansion of farm buildings or systems; and, purchase of supplies such as root stock, seed, and fertilizer. Beginning farmers must not have produced an agricultural product, as defined in the Agriculture and Markets Law, for more than ten consecutive years prior to application. http://esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms/NewFarmersGrantFund.html