New Starts

The Adirondack Almanack reported this week on the allocation of $1 million by New York State to extend the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund for another year. State support for this program is important for both its immediate and long term effects.

Many of the goals for this program are extended to the criteria for receiving a grant. These expectations revolve around a dedication to advancing contemporary agriculture practices and partnerships, oftentimes with a focus in sustainability.

This allocation of government funds for a cause so clearly focused on the responsible use of land within the Adirondacks sets a strong and, in my opinion, exciting precedent. Not only is the state presenting itself as committed to supporting the "New Farmer", but it is also encouraging a cultural shift in the way sustainability is positioned in relationship to food production in the Adirondacks. We know that, traditionally, agriculture within the Park has not been an easy means of providing for oneself. By New York State acknowledging this challenge while understanding the necessity of easy access to food for park residents, they seems to suggest a movement on the government level toward providing active support for all individuals that find themselves within the park, not just tourists or government officials. This warming up toward farmers is a comfort as the new year approaches and with it, another presumably difficult winter and all-too brief growing season. With the support of New York State, perhaps 2016 will be the one of the prosperous "New Farmer". While this may seem like too much of a fantasy, it is nevertheless indicative of shifting environmental priorities for the state and region.

Works Cited
Editorial Staff Grants Available for New Adirondack Farms. The Adirondack Almanack. 1 December 2015. 4 December 2015.