About Funds for Farmers

Farmers and agriculturalists looking for additional capital to jump-start or stimulate their operations will want to know about a free workshop happening on Tuesday at Suffolk Community College.

The event, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with breakfast and lunch included, will offer advice about both traditional and alternative sources of capital. Speakers will give tips for success, discuss how to expand, outline different types of loans, and discuss financing based on individual needs.

Afterward, there will be an opportunity for one-on-one meetings with the organizations sponsoring the workshop, which include the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Empire State Development, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Long Island Development Corporation.

In other news of interest to agriculture or aquaculture companies, applications are now available for a cost-sharing program introduced last month by the Peconic Land Trust, which was the recipient of a $1 million state grant. Farmers or not-for-profit organizations in Nassau or Suffolk Counties that have a minimum of $2,500 in equipment and infrastructure costs are eligible to apply. Successful applicants can seek reimbursement for up to 20 percent of the purchase of new or used capital equipment and infrastructure.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 28, 2018, or until the Land Trust’s grant is exhausted. Luke McKay or Thomas Hobson at 283-3195 or AgGrant@PeconicLand­Trust .org can provide application forms.