ENFIELD, Conn. — Farm Credit East and CoBank announced a joint contribution of $25,000 to GrowNYC to support its work with Northeast farmers. Farm Credit East provided $12,500 towards this program, which CoBank matched dollar for dollar. The funds will support GrowNYC’s FARMroots program, which provides legal, marketing and financial management technical assistance for both beginning and established Greenmarket farmers.
“GrowNYC is extremely grateful for the support of Farm Credit East and CoBank,” said Marcel Van Ooyen, President and CEO of GrowNYC. “This funding will help us further develop programming and assist more aspiring and established Greenmarket farmers alike with training designed to enhance the long-term viability of their farms.”
GrowNYC’s Greenmarkets operate 50 farmers’ markets and related programming, such as nutrition education, throughout New York City. About 250 producers, most from New York and nearby states, sell through Greenmarkets. GrowNYC’s FARMroots provides Greenmarket farmers with business technical assistance and training. Farm Credit East staff have assisted with teaching financial management topics to FARMroots participants.
“GrowNYC is an important marketing channel for many Farm Credit East members to gain access to the New York City market. Farm Credit East is also committed to supporting the next generation of agriculture, so this contribution aligns with our mission to serve agriculture today and tomorrow,” said Farm Credit East CEO Bill Lipinski.
“CoBank is proud to partner with Farm Credit East and GrowNYC to continue this important program for beginning farmers,” said Will Baildon, regional vice president, CoBank. “Agriculture is a tremendously rewarding career, but for those who haven’t grown up in the industry, there is a lot to learn. It is our hope our support of GrowNYC and the FARMroots program will not only provide new farmers with vital education and access to important markets, but will also provide consumers with easy access to affordable, regionally-produced food.”
— Farm Credit East
CoBank