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NOFA-NY Announces Support Program for Select Beginning Farmers in New York

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc. (NOFA-NY) will be accepting applications from qualified new farmers to participate in its two-year support program, known as the NOFA-NY Journeyperson Program, until February 8th, 2012.  The program is modeled off a highly successful program piloted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA).  NOFA-NY, along with state NOFA chapters in five other states running similar programs, is able to provide two years of educational and business planning stipends, support of a paid farmer mentor, educational and networking opportunities and a specific commitment to ensuring that this small group of farmers is able to find sure footing in their first few years of farming independently.

The application process begins by a farmer using the application form that can be downloaded from www.nofany.org/jp or requested from the NOFA-NY office.  The application deadline for New York for 2012 is February 8th, with notification regarding the next step of the process occurring on or around February 24th.  Interviews will be requested of highly competitive applicants, and an orientation and kick-off will occur later in the spring to officially welcome the first northeast-wide cohort of Journeyperson farmers.  The New York Journeyperson farmers will be invited to meet their counterparts from other northeast states at the annual NOFA Summer Conference in Amherst, MA in August 2012.

The NOFA-NY Journeyperson Farmer Program is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2011-49400-30510.

NOFA NY, Inc is an organization of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working together to create a sustainable regional food system which is ecologically sound and economically viable. Through demonstration and educational opportunities, we promote land stewardship, organic food production, and local marketing. NOFA NY brings consumers and farmers closer together to make high quality food available to all people. 

-Re-posted from the Stone Barns for Sustainable Agriculture listserv.

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