BURLINGTON — The Youth Agricultural Individual Development Account (IDA) Program, a collaboration of University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H and the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture, has extended its deadline to May 15 for applications for its next program cycle.

The free one-year program helps young farmers, ages 14 to 21, acquire the necessary financial skills and business assets to operate their own agricultural business. In addition, it provides a 2-to-1 match of their savings, up to $1,000 in match funding, for the purchase of a business-related item when they complete an approved business plan.

The next cycle begins in late June. Applications may be obtained at any UVM Extension office or online at http://go.uvm.edu/youth-ag-ida.

In addition to age eligibility, applicants must have one or more years of experience managing their own income from any size farm or food business. School credit is available.

Successful applicants will work with a mentor and farm business management experts to write a business plan and learn about the financial side of operating an agricultural enterprise. Throughout the year they also will participate in workshops, network with established farmers and receive other aid relevant to their operation.

For more information, contact Liz Kenton, IDA Program coordinator, at ekenton@uvm.edu or (802) 257-6967, ext. 308. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, contact her no later than May 15.

—UVM Extension

For more articles out of New England, click here.