State Senator Patty Ritchie announced that the new state budget includes $200,000 in “seed money” to help launch the brand new North Country Agricultural Studies Academy, to help introduce and train a new generation of young farmers.

“Agriculture is the most important industry in the North Country and throughout New York State, and today’s farmers—and those of the future—need innovative business and technology skills, in addition to good old fashioned farming know-how, to ensure their success,” said Senator Ritchie.

Senator Ritchie toured facilities that will be home to the Ag Academy, including buildings once used by SUNY Canton’s agriculture programs, with representatives from Cooperative Extension and BOCES, as well as farmers and future farmer-members of FFA.