Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** cornell cooperative extension…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** cornell cooperative extension sullivan county (CCESC)'S CCESC's catskills-hudson valley agricultural technical assistance program (TA program) will collaborate with the USDA on the delivery of targeted technical assistance and related activities to achieve future outcomes of improved equitable participation of farmers, ranchers and forest land owners in USDA programs and services. We will do this by expanding education, technical assistance, outreach, and networking efforts to small and mid-sized, new and beginning farmers in the catskills-hudson valley region. The target audiences are beginning and new farmers in operation for less than 10 years in the catskills-hudson valley region, that consist of small farms, organic farms, women owned or operated farmers, low to moderate income farmers, minority owned or operated farmers and farmworkers. Long-term goals of the TA program are to increase the number of farmers in the region with resilient farm operations that are aware of USDA, new york state, and local funding and technical assistance opportunities that can help their farm business operations withstand market and environmental disruptions, and who employ best management practices in all aspects of production, business management, and marketing, leading to a thriving rural community and quality of life for farm owners and operators, while providing better linkages to land access. Doing so will support a strong and diverse local AG economy, ensure a safe, nutritious and secure food supply for consumers to purchase farm fresh products, prevent foodborne illnesses, and protect public health, especially for low income communities.