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New York Ag News Headlines
Statewide Listening Tour Supports New, Beginning Farmers
New York Ag Connection - 08/21/2017

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced a statewide listening tour to support early-stage and prospective farmers. Joined by state and industry partners, the Department of Agriculture and Markets is hosting town hall-style meetings to address challenges and concerns facing beginning farmers and to provide information about existing resources available to them. These sessions build on Governor Andrew Cuomo's State of the State initiative to establish a beginning farmer program, which includes a one-stop shop for new or future farmers to learn about various government and non-profit programs designed to benefit them.

"There are a lot of exciting things happening in New York agriculture, but for farmers just starting out, it can seem overwhelming. We want them to know their success is our priority," Commissioner Ball said. "We are here to help them navigate the process and understand the resources at their fingertips. This listening tour is also an opportunity for us to gain valuable feedback directly from the industry on how the State can better support current and future farmers."

Ball, along with representatives from Empire State Development, the Department of Labor and several industry organizations kicked off the tour at Empire Farm Days in Seneca Falls last week. Additional meetings are planned in Western New York, New York City, Long Island, the North Country, and the Capital Region through September. The events are free and open to the public.

In addition to holding these listening sessions, the Department also serves as a one-stop shop for new farmers and those interested in farming as a second career. This new resource provides support to farmers in starting, diversifying, or expanding an agricultural operation. The one-stop shop offers individual assistance to early-stage and potential farmers on job training, land ownership, farm financing, compliance, marketing and other areas critical to starting a farm operation.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Agriculture is a crucial component of New York State's economy and providing early-stage farmers with State funding and resources helps promote job creation and industry sustainability."

"The agricultural industry is a major job-creator in our state," said State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. "We must do all we can to support farmers and help them build sustainable, thriving operations. Twenty-first century farming doesn't necessarily conform to the image we all grew up with and I'm proud to be part of an administration committed to seeing this important industry flourish both now and in the future."

Chris Watkins, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension, said, "We are delighted to see this initiative by the New York State's Department of Agriculture and Markets and other agencies to identify key needs of new and beginning farmers in priority areas of land access, funding, technical assistance and training. CCE is uniquely placed to contribute to these efforts by delivering educational programs to beginning farming groups throughout the state. Our Extension Educators are able to link new and beginning farmers to resources such as the Small Farm Programs and others in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We are committed to this exciting effort to maximize success and sustainability of New York agriculture."

For more information about the tour or for resources for new and beginning farmers at the state's one-stop shop, call (718) 722-2668 or nyc@agriculture.ny.gov.


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