The Peru Gazette

Applications for Dairy, Livestock, Specialty Crop and Aquaculture Producers Now Available

Albany, June 29, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of the $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program for New York agricultural producers. The program, first announced in the Governor’s 2026 State of the State address, will help offset rising costs and market loss that New York farmers faced in 2025 because of federal tariff policy. Applications for dairy, livestock, specialty crop and aquaculture producers are now available here.

“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.” Governor Hochul said. “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.”

With an estimated 20 percent of a farmer’s income on average dependent on export markets of their product, the federal tariffs instituted in 2025 and resulting market instability are creating economic hardship for New York’s agricultural producers. In addition, farmers are facing the escalating costs imposed by tariffs on essential imports like grain, feed and other inputs. Over 80 percent of agrochemical imports and 70 percent of farm machinery imports originate from countries that were subjected to U.S. tariffs, making it difficult for farmers to secure alternative sources.

While the broader financial impact of tariffs on New York agricultural producers is still being calculated, many commodities have already reported financial burdens. For example, New York’s wine industry, which is the third largest in the nation, supports tens of thousands of jobs and New York’s grape growers, has seen significant impacts. Canada is the largest market for U.S. wine exports, including New York, and last year New York exports to this bordering country were down 77 percent, a major market loss at a time when the U.S. wine exports decreased 33 percent overall.

The Governor’s tariff relief program will provide direct payments of a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000 to eligible producers. Distribution of funds will be determined through two tracks:

• Track 1: Cow Dairy Farms
• Track 2: Livestock, Livestock Products, Specialty Crops, Aquaculture

Eligible applicants must fill out a general application, provide agricultural sales or milk production data and meet specific criteria, including:

• Applicants must have at least two-thirds of federal gross income in excess of $30,000 derived from agricultural activities, as defined by New York State Tax Law.
• Applicants must produce eligible crops within New York State.
• Eligibility and production data must be certified by a qualified financial professional.
• All applicants must provide a complete substitute W-9 form, necessary for payment.
• Dairy farm applicants must sign a records release form, allowing confirmation of milk production data.