Provided funding to 21 organizations for their efforts to promote northeast agriculture

The Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement Program, a joint effort of Farm Credit East, Yankee Farm Credit and CoBank, recently provided funding to 21 organizations for their efforts to promote northeast agriculture, support young and beginning farmer initiatives, and encourage youth leadership development. Future Farmers of America (FFA), Maine Tree Foundation, Cornell University Dairy Fellows and New York Animal Agriculture Coalition were among the recipients.

 

The New York FFA Leadership Training Foundation received a $12,600 grant to support the attendance of 42 state FFA leaders at the National Leadership Conference of State Officers (NLCSO). Funding will allow FFA officer teams from New York and the six New England states to attend the conference.

Maine Tree Foundation was awarded $8,000 to support two Teachers’ Tours of Maine Forests and Mills Program and Project Learning Tree curriculum. This four-day training program provides teachers and youth leaders with a first-hand experience about the economic and environmental importance of the Maine forestry industry.

Cornell Dairy Fellows received a $7,500 grant to support its programming to prepare students for entrance into careers in the dairy industry. As part of this program, students tour dairy farms and learn about challenges and opportunities in the dairy industry.

The New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) was awarded $10,000 to support its Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the New York State Fair. This annual exhibit enhances the public’s understanding and appreciation for animal agriculture and modern farm practices.

Seventeen other organizations received grant funds for projects consistent with Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement’s mission to promote and strengthen the agriculture, forest products and commercial fishing industries. Some of the other projects receiving funds included veteran support efforts, ag youth and beginning farmer development programs, agricultural recognition events and research initiatives.

Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement Program

• Created: 1996
• Total grant dollars since 1996: $2,186,603
• Total projects supported: 794
• Proposal submission dates: April 1, August 1, December 1
• Contact: Jill Eyre, Farm Credit East, 615 Minot Avenue, Auburn, Maine 04210
• Phone: 800.831.4230
• Send funding proposals to: AgEnhancement@FarmCreditEast.com
• For more information: FarmCreditEast.com/Industry-Support.aspx