In 2017, the Trust began administering a cost-share grant program on behalf of New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM). The program supports farmers through capital improvement grants to comply with the State’s food safety requirements in the New York State Grown & Certified Program.
Over 14 farm operations were awarded funding for this food safety cost-share program on Long Island – including West Robins Oyster Co. operating out of the Peconic Bay. West Robins received at least $36,000 in funding through the program and used the funds to help improve their cold chain system. Will Peckham of West Robins said that working with the Trust and Josh Halsey, Program Coordinator, has been a fantastic opportunity for the guidance provided throughout the grant process. He added that, “the Trust understands the grower’s perspective.”
What is a cold chain system? For shellfish growers it means … [more]
