Supporting Diversity in Agriculture

Farmers are as diverse as the crops and products they produce. There are several programs out there that offer targeted support and opportunities to underrepresented groups in farming. Below are resources that offer information on diversity in farming.

In his 2020 State of the State Address, Governor Cuomo committed to increasing diversity in New York’s agricultural industries. The partners and resources below are fighting for racial equity in our food system and can offer specific support to BIPOC-identifying farmers. 

• American Indians and Alaska Natives: A Guide to USDA Programs
• Black Farmer Fund
• Black Urban Growers (BUGS)
• Indian Land Tenure Foundation
• Iroquois White Corn Project   
• Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
• Native American Tribal Loans from USDA FSA
• North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems
• Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust
• Soul Fire Farm
• USDA Outreach & Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers

New Americans bring knowledge of farming, farm practices, and food cultures from around the world that help diversify our industry. The programs below are designed to help you get started farming in New York State. 

• Agri-Business Child Development Centers
• DOL Services for Agricultural Workers
• DOS New York State Office of New Americans
• Programs serving refugees interested in agriculture

Farmers who are ready to retire today face unique transitional challenge; the process is no longer as simple as passing the farm on to the next generation. For those farmers looking to connect with the next generation of farmers in New York State, the resources and service providers below can help. 

• Farmland For a New Generation
• Farm Transitions Toolkit
• Retirement Calculator

As cities work to become greener the world over, interest in urban agriculture has skyrocketed. Included below are some resources and how-to guides specifically tailored for urban farmers in New York City and in other urban centers across the state. 

Learn more about urban farming and community gardens in New York State.

Some additional resources include:

• Veterans Urban Farming Initiative
• CCE Harvest NY Urban Agriculture Extension
• Farm School NYC
• Cornell Small Farms Urban Guide to Farming in NY

Many members of the armed forces find their way into agriculture after completing their service. Below are resources and training programs specifically tailored towards veterans to help them excel in the field of agriculture. 

• Cornell Small Farms Farm Ops Program 
• Benefits For Veterans Interested In Becoming Farmers Or Ranchers    
• Armed to Farm: Sustainable Agriculture Training For Military Veterans     
• Farmer Veteran Coalition  
• FreshConnect Checks for Veterans and Families

The number of women venturing into agriculture continues to grow in New York State, but women still remain underrepresented in the industry. The below resources and groups are focused on empowering and supporting  women in agriculture across New York State.

• American Agri-Women
• Annie's Project
• NYS Women in Wine – more information is available by contacting the NYS Wine and Grape Foundation
• Women Food and Ag Network

Engaging young people in the agricultural sciences not only opens up numerous potential careers paths for them, but is also a crucial for cultivating future farmers of New York State. Below are some key programs and resources connecting youth to agriculture across our state. 

• DOL Youth in Agriculture
• New York State 4-H Youth Development
• New York State Future Farmers of America