A representative of Cornell Cooperative Extension updated the Government Services Committee on Farm to School Month activities and a separate farm and food business training series funded by a USDA grant.

The extension said it is working with schools on Farm to School events, including a “Big Apple Crunch” on Oct. 23 or 24 when students bite New York State apples simultaneously at participating schools. The extension is also organizing tabling and farmer visits to schools and plans activities to connect students with agriculture.

The extension described a four-week farm and food business training series intended to help local farms develop business plans, learn licensing and permitting, financial planning and marketing, and to connect growers with professional consultants free of charge. Participants who complete the series are eligible for a $500 stipend to help with marketing or business needs, the extension said.

Why it matters: the training and Farm to School activities seek to promote local agriculture, help farm businesses become more sustainable, and introduce students to local food and farming careers.

The extension also noted a successful annual meeting and invited committee members to reach out for details on programming and events.