The Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant

I. Background

The 2024 State of the State outlined capital investment in the New York aquaculture industry through the creation of Governor Hochul’s Blue Food Transformation initiative. This initiative will bolster marine agriculture, promote a healthy natural environment, and provide New Yorkers with a nutritious source of locally grown seafood through crucial capital funding for farmers to invest in marine dock space, processing equipment, and other infrastructure that is vital for the growth of their businesses.

Funded by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and administered by the Peconic Land Trust, the Long Island Aquaculture Infrastructure Grant provides funding for the cost of construction, renovation, alteration, rehabilitation, improvements, installation, acquisition, repair or replacement of buildings, docks, equipment, or permanent or temporary facilities to support the preparation, packaging, and distribution of Long Island shellfish and marine plants/kelp/algae.

II. About this cost-share grant opportunity

A total of $4,207,500 million is available to fund projects as outlined above ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 on a reimbursement basis.

For grants between $100,000 and $250,000, a 10% recipient match is required.

III. Requirements

• Grantees must be a Long Island-based for-profit shellfish and/or marine plant/kelp producer, grower or hatchery.
• Grantees must demonstrate how their proposed project/infrastructure investment will impact the operation’s net income and/or achieve other economic benefits to the aquaculture industry as defined above in Long Island.
• Any source of match funds must be documented with proof of payment.
• Projects over $100,000 will require the submission of a New York State Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire
• Eligible applicants applying for grants from $10,000-$99,000 must provide one letter of recommendation from the industry
• Eligible applicants applying for grants from $100,000 to $250,000 must provide two letters of recommendation from the industry
• All proposals will be blinded and evaluated using a standard scoring rubric to promote consistency and remove bias within the review process.
• Grantees will be expected to host site visits as needed
• Applicants must have any required permits in place
• Grantees will enter a Memorandum of Understanding with the Peconic Land Trust
• Note: Purchase or leasing of land, Purchase or leasing of vehicles or boats, Leasing of equipment, or Operating costs are ineligible expenses

Questions? Please contact Jessica Murphy at jmurphy@Peconiclandtrust.org