New York Sen. James L. Seward recently joined senate colleagues to unveil the “Young Farmers NY” plan to address issues related to the advancing average age of New York farmers and to preserve the future of family farming. The initiative will support and encourage a new generation of farmers and help strengthen the state’s leading industry for decades to come.

“Young Farmers NY” is a series of proposals to smooth the transfer of farmland to the next generation, preserve existing farmland, and help young farmers overcome obstacles to give them a greater opportunity for a successful career in agriculture, according to a news release from Seward’s office.

The senate plan is in response to research that shows the average age of New York farmers is increasing, as fewer young people pursue farming careers. According to new data from the USDA Census of Agriculture, the average age of New York farmers is now 57.1 years.

There are two farmers aged 65 and older for each one under age 35. This and other factors lead to farmland being lost forever to development. About 50,000 acres of farmland were lost in New York in each of the last five years, the federal agency reported.

“Young Farmers NY” addresses these problems in two ways, by helping to encourage more young people to consider a farming career, and by reducing financial roadblocks to starting a new agriculture business.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy, contributing more than $5.4 billion every year, and few work harder or face greater challenges than our dedicated farmers,” Sen. Catherine Young was quoted in an Olean Times Herald article. “We owe it to them and to the next generation of aspiring farmers and agricultural leaders to enact the Young Farmers NY program and support them in their enthusiastic desire to help strengthen the farms that power our state’s economy.”

State Sen. Patty Ritchie, chairwoman of the Senate’s Agriculture Committee, in a prepared statement said: “The lifeblood of agriculture in New York is the family farm. And the funding and incentives included in the new budget will help encourage young farmers to continue that tradition and strengthen family farming.” PD

—Summarized by PD staff from cited sources