Beginning Farmer Boost Program

CADE is excited to offer a competitive technical assistance package providing financial, marketing, and production education and assets for NY beginning farmers this winter! This package is designed for beginning farmers who have an established business concept and are ready to create professional brand assets and grow their financial management skills.

What’s included?

  • Receive individualized brand development and marketing strategy support by working with 1 of 3 professional designers selected by CADE - up to a $3,000 value
  • Lifetime access to entire suite of financial planning and management courses from The Farmers Office - a $900 value 
  • One year membership to the National Young Farmers Coalition, which includes exclusive discount codes from retailers like Johnny’s, Fedco, Coolbot, Vermont Compost, and more
  • $150 gift card to the ag publisher of your choosing - New Society, Acres, or Chelsea Green

Who is eligible?

  • You must be a beginning farmer - as per the USDA’s definition
  • You must be located in New York State (any county)
  • Your farm must be an active commercial farm (you will make sales in 2025 - mutual aid distributions are allowable)

How do I apply?

Applications are competitive - 7 beginning farmers will be chosen who demonstrate that they have clear goals for their business that align with the offerings of this program. Priority points will be awarded to:

  • Applications submitted with a business plan
  • Underserved beginning farmers (socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and veteran farmers, as defined by the USDA)
  • Farms that use sustainable farming practices 

Applications are open from January 10 - February 9, 2025. Applicants will be scored for the three main application questions.

Questions?

Reach out to helpdesk@cadefarms.org with “Beginning Farmer Business Boost” in the subject line