A bill creating a young farmers advisory board has been signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

It creates a 20-member board, made up of farmers, representatives of agricultural organizations and state agencies to find ways to attract next-generation farmers, and connect them with existing state resources that will help them succeed, according to Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

One the bill’s supporters, she says it will “[bring] bringing together leading agriculture experts to help protect the future of family farming in New York.

It is estimated that in five years, there will be 100,000 young farmers needed nationally and in New York, the average age of a farmer is 57, “making initiatives like the Young Farmers Advisory Board especially important to the future of the industry,” according to Ritchie’s office.

“If we want to make sure that agriculture remains our state’s leading industry, it’s imperative that we continue to come up with new, fresh ideas that will encourage more young people to consider careers in farming,” the senator said in a prepared statement. “There’s no better way to do that than to tap into the experience and expertise of our state’s hardworking farmers. I am pleased to see this bill become law and look forward to seeing how the Young Farmers Advisory Board will help those new to agriculture achieve success and in turn, preserve the future of family farming for many years to come.”

Ritchie represents the 48th Senate District. It covers most of northern and western St. Lawrence County, including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur. It stretches south into Jefferson and Oswego counties.