News
March 5, 2018SUNY Cobleskill to Host Agricultural Solutions Fair
SUNY Cobleskill’s Institute for Rural Vitality, in partnership with National Grid and NYSERDA, is bringing together agencies and organizations that offer New York’s farm and food businesses grants, loans, business development and technical assistance during the inaugural Agricultural Solutions Fair. With over 15 resource agencies on hand for one-on-one assistance for commercial scale farmers and agribusinesses—whether livestock, crops, dairy, greenhouse, poultry, or processing—participants will learn about Economic Development Grants from National Grid, have the opportunity to sign up for a free NYSERDA Agricultural Energy Audit, apply for crop insurance, speak with USDA professionals and get the scoop on energy efficiency incentives, and much more. The event will take place on March 15 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at SUNY Cobleskill’s Bouck Hall Ballroom.
Participating agencies and organizations include:
• National Grid
• NYSERDA
• USDA Rural Development
• USDA Farm Service Agency
• Schoharie County Soil & Water Conservation District
• NYSEG
• Energize NY
• Cornell’s Harvest New York program
• Rural Law Initiative—Albany Law School
• New York Farm Viability Institute Profit Team
• New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health
• The Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship
• The Mohawk Valley Farm & Food Business Incubator
“The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill is excited to be involved in directly linking farms and agribusinesses with resources to enhance their business viability,” said Dr. Jason Evans, director of the Institute for Rural Vitality. “This is a great opportunity, all under one roof, for agriculturalists to spend significant time with a variety of agencies whose services can make a real difference to their operations.”
Participants will also have an opportunity to consult with specialist companies, including state-of-the-art green technologies for farms and agri-businesses. Companies represented include:
• Lotus Solar
• ASAP Interiors LLC
• L&S Energy Services
• Farmer Boy Ag
• GEA Farm Technologies, Inc.
To make the process as easy and productive as possible, participants will be assisted by “Ag Solutions Ambassadors,” SUNY Cobleskill students who will guide the farm business to participating agencies that best address their business development needs. Ambassadors will also be available to assist with completing applications or other paperwork the day of the event.
Register on-line at cobleskill.edu/agsolutions or call Dr. Jason Evans at 518.255.5643
