$3.4M to network NY's Hudson Valley farmers

HYDE PARK, N.Y. -- Sen. Charles Schumer says $3.4 million in federal money has been set aside for an organization to help farmers in New York's Hudson Valley recovering from last year's tropical storms bolster their businesses and tap new markets.

He says Monday the Economic Development Administration funding will go to the Hudson Valley Food and Beverage Alliance to build a coalition of farm interests and a facility at the Culinary Institute of America to foster new business opportunities linking farms with food and beverage companies.

The facility at the CIA in Hyde Park will provide networking, workshops and other resources to farmers along with technical support, including scientific and market data intended to improve their harvests.

Schumer says the EDA award is expected to be finalized soon.