Ritchie Encourages New Farmers to Apply for Program To 'Grow' Ag Careers

State Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Patty Ritchie is encouraging those who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, or just starting out in the industry, to apply for support through an initiative she created known as the ‘New Farmers Grant Fund.’

The $1 million ‘New Farmers Grant Fund’ provides grants of up to $50,000 for those who have started a farm business within the last ten years. The grants allow for the purchase of machinery, equipment, supplies and the construction or improvement of agricultural structures. Since the program’s launch in 2014, it has provided nearly $2.5 million to more than 65 farms across the state.

“The future of New York’s agriculture industry depends on attracting new people to the profession,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie. “With another round of the ‘New Farmers Grant Fund’, we are again providing those just starting with the support they need to achieve success in their new ventures. These programs are critical to growing—and protecting—the future of New York’s leading industry.”

Full details and applications for the ‘New Farmers Grant Fund’ can be found by clicking here. The deadline for submitting an application is January 26^th, 2018.

The ‘New Farmers Grant Fund’ is yet another example of Senator Ritchie’s support for New York State’s agriculture industry. For the third straight year, the most recent state budget included record funding for agriculture—totaling $51 million—to help support dozens of programs farmers depend on, as well as launch new initiatives designed to strengthen the connection between consumers and local foods.