NY Farm Viability Institute supports diverse farm research

The New York Farm Viability Institute awarded more than $4 million in farm-based research grants in 2007. The grant awards will support diverse projects, from bioenergy feedstock and gasification developments, to organic grain and dairy initiatives.

Efforts to improve the marketing and distribution of local food and a project to increase use of new hybrid wine grapes received grants. A project to link farmers to recycling markets for agricultural plastics, such as silo bags and greenhouse pots, as well as an effort to expand research and outreach education of manure management systems, were tapped for grants.

Funded projects reflect a variety of agricultural sectors, commodities, production practices, farm sizes and regions around New York.

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New York Farm Viability Institute is an independent, farmer-led nonprofit organization that directs and funds farm-level research to increase profits, reduce costs and other barriers, create jobs and encourage practical innovation on the farm. The institute is funded by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Visit www.nyfvi.org.