Ag-Link Program Applications Due March 12, 2010

• Mr. Greg Hargett, Assistant Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture
• Ms. Diana Strouse, USDA-Farm Service Agency, Erie and Huron Counties
• Ms. Julie Nolan, OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Mr. Andy McDowell, Field Director, Western Reserve Land Conservancy
• Mr. Eric Dodrill, District Director, Erie County Soil & Water Conservation
• Ms. Katie Myers, Farmland Programs Coordinator, The Farmlands Center of the Countryside Conservancy
• Mr. Jeff Hoepf, Branch Manager of AG Credit Services, Norwalk
• Mr. Larry Cucco, Financial Services Officer, Farm Credit Services of Mid America

Newton Burris

A powerpoint presentation explaining the Ag-Link program was given by Newton Burris, the Director of the Economic Development Department out of the treasurer’s office, to only a few people who braved the weather to attend the meeting.

“You do not have to be a commodity farmer to apply for this annual program… we try to make sure that all first time applicants get approved,” explained Burris as he outlined the benefits of the program.

According to their website, the newly created Economic Development Department invests 12% of the state’s portfolio – about $800 million – in special projects that grows the state’s jobs, promotes financial stability, and supports the operations of Ohio farmers who apply to participate in their programs.  To fund these programs, the Treasury places deposits with approved Ohio banks at reduced rates.  The Treasury never loses or gives away its money, but agrees to earn lower rates when participating banks partner with us to offer economic development programs.  The department is also exploring ways that the Treasury can further serve as a catalyst for economic development in Ohio.

Kurt Heyman of Enterprise Hill Farms, Inc.

Local farmers who’ve participated in the program before gave brief testimonials to the success of the program and how it helped offset some of the burden of their farm loans. William Gammie of Quarry Hill Orchards, LLC, and Kurt Heyman of Enterprise Hill Farms, Inc., both spoke on behalf of their positive experience.

After the closing remarks, The Erie Wire interviewed Mr. Gammie about his multi-generational farm. Watch it here.