New York Farm Viability Institute Website Press Releases 

Date: Oct. 5, 2007
Run Date: Nov. 13, 2007

Contact Person: Rebecca Schuelke, public relations specialist
T: (315) 453-3823 extension 103
E: rschuelke@nyfvi.org

Food Venture Center offers training for those considering agriculture entrepreneurship

Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station is planning programming for those considering an agricultural-based entrepreneurial venture this fall.

"Tilling the Soil of Opportunity," an agricultural entrepreneurship business-plan training course, is for people who are searching for innovative ideas and enhanced marketing opportunities in value-added agriculture.

Sessions run Nov. 13-14, Nov. 27-28, and Dec. 11-12 at the Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 423 Griffing Ave. Suite 100, Riverhead, NY. Hours are 1-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays.

More than 50 people have completed the practical training program, offered in part due to grant funding from the New York Farm Viability Institute. The farmer-led nonprofit organization supports research and education outreach projects that help farmers increase profits.

The Institute is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and renewable agriculture system of diverse farm sizes, production practices, commodities, sectors and geographic regions.

``Tilling the Soil of Opportunity’’ sessions include: taking stock of your resources, business concept, mission and goals, legal structure (regulations, contracts and leases), management from the ground up, marketing issues and strategies, budgeting, record keeping and accounting, cash flow and financial statements, financing, and business growth issues and strategies.

Each session builds on the previous ones. Each session features guest speakers, such as small business attorneys, bankers, insurance agents, and marketing consultants with experience serving the farming community.

Cost is $300, which includes books and meals. Spouses and partners are encouraged to attend at a rate of $225. Register through Cheryl Leach at (315)787-2622 or cal35@cornell.edu.

The workshop brochure and online registration are available at http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hp/events/detail.php?id=64.

Program sponsors include Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk and Dutchess counties, Cornell Entrepreneurship Education & Outreach Program, NY New AgVenture Project, and NYS Food Venture Center.

New York Farm Viability Institute is an independent, farmer-led nonprofit organization that directs and funds farm-level research to increase profits, reduce costs and other barriers, create jobs and encourage practical innovation on the farm. The Institute receives funds from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Visit www.nyfarmviability.org.