This project is being conducted by Cornell University and the NY FarmNet and NY FarmLink programs.

NY FarmNet and NY FarmLink are unique to the university setting as they have a number of outreach consultants who are available to visit individual farm families. The traditional clientele of NY FarmNet and NY FarmLink are farm businesses that are experiencing change. NY FarmNet consults with businesses experiencing financial or personal changes, while NY FarmLink helps farm families through business transfers, partnerships, and starting new businesses. In short, NY FarmNet and NY FarmLink consultants have made it their speciality to help farm families make positive changes to their businesses and are an excellent resource to help farm businesses prepare business plans.

All consultations with farm families are confidential. If other outside personnel need to be involved with a farm business plan, the farm will first be asked for permission.

TO APPLY FOR BUSINESS PLANNING ASSISTANCE, you should:

• be a farm business in New York State;
• be involved in, or considering, production of a value-added product;
• be considering improvement of, or in the process of improving, your business.
• complete the Pre-Planning Guide (PDF file, 906k), an easy-to-use guide to help you focus your business ideas and make your consultation more valuable; and
• complete the Request for Assistance Form and mail it to 415 Warren Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-7801.