Senator Gallivan Alerts New Farmers to Programs that Support Agribusiness

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces the state is making $1 million in funding  available to support new farmers interested in launching a career in agribusiness.  Under the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund and the New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program, the state’s important agricultural industry will continues to grow. 

"Agriculture is New York’s leading industry and these programs provide support to those looking to start a career in farming or to take over operation of their family’s farm,” Gallivan said.  “These next generation farmers will ensure that New York continues to produce the high quality food products that we all enjoy and depend on.” 

The $1 million New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants of up to 50 percent of total project costs. Funds may provide a minimum of $15,000 and maximum of $50,000 for the purchase of farm equipment, machinery and supplies, and construction or renovation of farm buildings.  Empire State Development will work with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to administer the program which is open to New York farmers in the first ten years of operation with 150 acres of land or less.

The application and guidelines for the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund are available online at: http://esd.ny.gov/businessprograms/newfarmersgrantfund.html.  The deadline for submission is January 22, 2016.

The New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program is designed for new college graduates pursuing farming careers in New York State.  The program provides loan forgiveness awards to individuals who obtain an undergraduate degree from an approved New York State college or university and agree to operate a farm in New York State, on a full-time basis, for five years. The program is administered through New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. 

The application for the New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Program is available online at:  http://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/new-york-state-young-farmers-loan-forgiveness-incentive-program.html.  The deadline for submission is December 1, 2015.

                                                                                                          -30-