Cornell Food Executive Program – Ithaca, NY
The Cornell Food Executive Program is a 10-day program that is designed to meet the professional development needs of tomorrow’s food industry leaders. Participants take part in presentations relating to issues that impact the profitability of all types of food industry firms. The program is for Middle- and upper-level managers working primarily for food retailers, wholesalers, or manufacturers. In the program participants will enhance their understanding of such business tools as capital investment analysis, logistics, negotiation, and managerial decision making, increase knowledge of vital food industry issues, and network with food industry executives. To learn more about this program
click here.
New York Food Venture Center – Geneva, NY
Some local residents have expressed an interest in perfecting a “home-style” recipe and bringing it to market. The Northeast Center for Food Entrepreneurship at the New York Food Venture Center provides assistance in product development, regulatory compliance and marketing assistance. The purpose of the Center is “
To provide comprehensive assistance to beginning and established food entrepreneurs, thus promoting sustainable economic development of rural communities.” The Food Venture Center can assist with processed meat products, canned foods, wine and beer. To learn more about the Food Venture Center click here.
Nelson Farms – Morrisville, NY
Nelson Farms is a state of the art, one stop processing facility for small scale food processors, farmers, and growers. Services include processing/co-packing, product development, dairy incubator, distribution, marketing and sales, etc. For more information about Nelson Farms and to purchase products available through Nelson Farms click here.
Value-added Dairy Products
Farmers can capture more of the food chain dollar through the production of cheese on the farm. To learn about the New York State requirements to produce cheese click here.
Funding Opportunities
Capital needs for a food venture can be secured through private funds, commercial banks and grants. Below are some sources for more information on securing these funds.
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235
Phone: 1/800-554-4501
NYS Energy Research and Development (NYSERDA), 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203
Phone: 1/866-NYSERDA
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NESARE), University of Vermont, 10 Hills Building, Burlington, VT 05405
Phone: 1/802-656-0471
USDA Rural Development, 1 North Main St. Cortland, NY 13084
Phone: 1/607-753-0851 x 4
Farm Service Agency, 2571 Route 11, Lafayette, NY 13084
Phone: 315/677-3552