New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today announced that the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation is currently accepting applications for the Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Program through December 15, 2014.

To help encourage recent college graduates to pursue careers in farming in New York State, the New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program is now taking applications. The program provides loan forgiveness awards to individuals who obtain an undergraduate degree 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 New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program is just one component of a comprehensive strategy that combines financial and educational initiatives and incentives to keep the State’s agricultural industry thriving for the next generation.

The application and more information about the Program is available at: www.hesc.ny.gov/YoungFarmers