People in St. Lawrence County who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture or just starting out as farmers are urged to apply before the Jan. 27 deadline for the “New Farmers Grant Fund.”

State Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, explains the initiative she created will help provide those new to the industry with the support they need to be successful.

Through the $1 million New Farmers Grant Fund, grants of up to $50,000 to new and beginning farmers can help with the purchase of equipment, supplies and other necessities essential to an agricultural business.

This year, the program has eliminated a “150 acres or less” requirement and will accept applications from agricultural operations of all sizes.

Full guidelines for applying can be found on Ritchie’s website, www.ritchie.nysenate.gov. The deadline to apply is January 27, 2017.

Ritchie says the program is now in its third year and to date has allocated $1.4 million in grants to 41 farms across the state.

“I have been proud to advocate for funding of the New Farmers Grant Fund and would like to thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of this program, which will continue to help to protect the future of our state’s leading industry.”