Farmers looking to make a start in St. Lawrence County can apply for up to $50,000 in state funding, and a loan forgiveness plan, according to Sen. Patty Ritchie.

Sen. Agriculture Committee Chair Patty Ritchie is encouraging individuals interested in pursuing careers in farming to apply for two programs she says can help them overcome challenges related to starting a new agribusiness and give them a greater chance of success as they work to lay the groundwork for their new venture.

The two programs available—which include a $1 million “New Farmers Grant Fund” that will provide grants for the purchase of equipment, supplies as well as other necessities and a loan forgiveness program for new college graduates entering farming careers—are part of Sen. Ritchie’s “Young Farmers NY” program, an initiative that’s working address the issue of an aging farming population by encouraging more young people to pursue agriculture careers.

The New York State New Farmers Grant Fund will provide a $1 million in grants of up to $50,000 to eligible beginning farmers.

Successful applicants may use funds to purchase farm equipment, supplies and other necessities or for the improvement or construction of farm buildings. Farmers in the first ten years of running a farm operation of 150 acres or less are encouraged to apply and must do so by Jan. 22, 2016.

New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program provides loan forgiveness awards to students who commit to farming careers after graduation from an approved New York State college or university and agree to operate a farm in New York State, on a full-time basis, for five years. The deadline to apply for the program is December 1, 2015.

“Agriculture is one of New York’s leading industries, and if we want it to continue to grow, we need to make sure we’re laying the ground work for its future,” said Sen. Ritchie.