Deadline Approaching for New Farmers to Apply for Program That 'Grows' Ag Careers

As the January 26^th deadline to apply approaches, 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.

“Programs like the ‘New Farmers Grant Fund’ are critical to growing and protecting the future of New York’s leading industry.  We must continue to attract new people to the profession and give people the tools they need to succeed,” 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 that support and ensuring the health of their business and the entire agriculture industry for generations to come."

Full details and applications for the ‘New Farmers Grant Fund’ can be found by clicking here.  Again, 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.