News

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that eligible applicants can now apply for the $5 million New York State Grown & Certified Agricultural Producers’ Grant Program. Funded through the 2017-18 New York State Budget, the program is part of the Regional Economic Development Councils process. It was created to assist New York State agricultural producers meet food safety standards and join the New York State Grown & Certified program. 

Western New York Beginning Farmers and Homesteaders Discussion Group

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program created the Western New York Beginning Farmers and Homesteaders group.  This Group has continued to be successful and has created an online learning community which you may join by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/wnybfah. 

In consideration of the number of Northeast farmers selling their beef product directly to the public, and those consumers being especially interested in local sourcing of their food, the national beef checkoff has just launched the Northeast Beef Directory through a partnership with the Virginia Beef Industry Council.  This new website, includes robust educational resources that inform consumers about their options for choosing beef.