Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Feb. 7 that the New York Job Development Authority will start an Agriculture Loan Fund Program to help New York State small farmers. The Job Development Authority has $10 million in funding, which will be distributed as low-interest loans to a handful of lenders throughout the state. The approved lender in the Mid-Hudson area is Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation. "Agriculture continues to be a major part of New York's economy, and with this funding we are providing the resources necessary to strengthen and grow this industry," Cuomo was quoted in a press release. "This program will knock down barriers and give new agribusiness owners the support they need to thrive, and grow in New York."