News

John May Farm Safety Fund Expands Eligibility Guidelines to Further Support Agricultural Safety in NYS - July 1, 2024

July 1, 2024

The John May Farm Safety Fund, a grant program dedicated to advancing worker safety and health on New York farms, is pleased to announce the expansion of its eligibility guidelines. The fund, a program managed by the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), will now accept applications from a broader range of farms for projects aimed at improving worker safety.

Established in honor of one of NYCAMH's founders and his dedication to agricultural health and safety, the John May Farm Safety Fund has been instrumental in supporting worker safety and farm sustainability across the state. Farm projects approved by the Fund receive up to $5,000 in financial assistance. Since its launch in 2016, the Fund has dispersed nearly $1.2 million for over 300 farm safety projects to New York's agricultural community.

The John May Farm Safety Fund will change its current eligibility guidelines to allow more farmers to apply for funding to make worker safety upgrades by:

• Increasing the annual gross income cap to $1,000,000, previously set at $350,000

• Removing the cap from dairy operations, previously set at 1,000 milking cows

"Expanding our eligibility guidelines reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of safety and well-being in New York's agricultural community," added Outreach Program Coordinator, Dahlia Sheehan-Yassin. "We look forward to supporting new and innovative ideas that will contribute to safer, healthier farms across the state."

This program would not be possible without support of the farm community, industry partners, generous donors, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. "It is clear that Governor Hochul and Agricultural Committee Chairs, Assemblymember Lupardo and Senator Hinchey, along with other policy-makers and industry supporters, have indicated their strong commitment to the health and welfare of NY farmers and to the sustainability of farming operations, and we are grateful. We look forward to supporting farmers in their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of their families and workers," remarked NYCAMH Director, Julie Sorensen.

Farm owners who meet the new criteria are encouraged to apply by visiting www.nycamh.org/johnmayfund, calling 800-343-7527 or emailing JMFSF@bassett.org. Funding decisions are determined on a case-by-case basis in the order they are received.

For more information about NYCAMH and other farm safety services, please visit www.nycamh.org.