Thursday, May 19 2011 4:08PM
California FarmLink is working to get land for a number of young farmers in rural communities.
Getting land leased for young, rural California farmers is a top priority to the nonprofit group California FarmLink, reports the Modesto Bee, which is a main reason it is working to provide young ranchers the money to obtain agricultural properties.
FarmLink regional coordinator Mary Junqueiro, who operates the Stanislaus County Agricultural Center (SCAC), told the paper that the number of farmers 65 or older substantially outnumber farmers 35 or younger.
She added these figures are why the program wants to get more young farmers involved - to ensure the development of farms continues successfully with people who will be the future of the industry.
USDA Farm Service Agency acting commissioner Val Dolcini told the news source, "[The program is] supporting rural communities. It's establishing rural jobs."
FarmLink helps arrange for mentoring sessions between private and public financiers and young farmers looking to acquire land. According to the group, the number of California farmers 35 or younger dropped 43 percent between 1992 and 2002.