Press release<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Funding Approved by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority Will Support Critical Education, Workforce Development, and Promotion Initiatives<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Five Projects Will Engage BIPOC Communities in Agriculture and Provide Hands-on Workforce Training Opportunities, Connect Farmers to New Markets<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced $150,000 has been awarded for projects that will strengthen the agricultural industry in the nine-county area that makes up the Genesee Valley. The funding, which was approved by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority (GVRMA), in collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will support critical education, workforce development, and marketing and promotion initiatives. A portion of the funding, more than $50,000, will support projects that engage Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in agriculture, providing hands-on workforce training opportunities at local farms and farmers\u2019 markets. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Commissioner Ball said,<\/strong> \u201cCongratulations to the all of today\u2019s award recipients. They have developed creative and exciting projects that will help move the agricultural industry forward. There is a strong focus on agricultural education and training for new or young farmers in our BIPOC communities, which will help provide new opportunities and career paths in agriculture. The investments in all of the projects, while geographically located in the Genesee Valley, will positively impact agriculture statewide. I thank the GVRMA for their partnership in advancing this important program.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brendan Tydings, Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority Administrator, said,<\/strong> \u201cThe Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority is excited to announce this year’s recipients of funding. This has been a very challenging year, but all of these applicants are a great reminder of all the amazing work that is still going on here in the Genesee Valley Region. We at the Regional Market are committed to supporting local agriculture and agribusinesses through these recipients and we are excited to see all of the great work that will come out of these programs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following entities were awarded funding to help engage New York\u2019s BIPOC communities in agriculture: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, the following projects were awarded funding for the promotion and marketing of New York agricultural products and programs, and agricultural education:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sister Marsha, The Vineyard Farms, Inc., said, <\/strong>\u201cPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt, said it best, \u2018We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.\u2019 The Vineyard Farms, Inc. with the award from GVRMA will teach and build 12 youths to be a catalyst through greenhouse organic farming year-round and to be a part of bringing an end to food scarcity in zip code 14605, Rochester, NY.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Andrea M Lista, Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County Executive Director, said, <\/strong>\u201cCCE-Monroe is appreciative of the support for the Landscape Technician Training Program. One of the defining components of this program is the daily interaction between students and the horticultural industry, specifically potential employers. This interaction ensures employees find a career path that feels successful to them. In turn, employers benefit from a workforce that has shown commitment to the horticulture industry. This is a win-win for those who are seeking employment and an industry that is need of an enthusiastic workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Robert Batt, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director, said,<\/strong> \u201cThis funding will allow Orleans CCE to support youth producing food to make community impact through donations and further learn about careers and entrepreneurship in agriculture. Several youths participated in writing the application for funding and are already excited, eager to get to work, and grateful for the opportunity GVRMA has provided.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, said, <\/strong>\u201cAgriculture is a key economic driver for the Genesee Valley and Finger Lakes region. GVRMA provides valuable investments in the value-added product sector. Their support of the wine industry has been a key instigator for its growth and creating new jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The GVRMA, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, solicits applications each year to assist in the development of agriculture and agriculture-related businesses in nine counties in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates. Agriculture supports thousands of jobs in the Genesee Valley, and is one of the key areas of investment in the Finger Lakes Forward and Southern Tier Soaring regional economic development plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority, please visit: http:\/\/www.geneseevalleyregionalmarketauthority.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Press release Funding Approved by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority Will Support Critical Education, Workforce Development, and Promotion Initiatives Five Projects Will Engage BIPOC Communities in Agriculture and Provide Hands-on Workforce Training Opportunities, Connect Farmers to New Markets State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced $150,000 has been awarded \u2026<\/p>\n