Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County and the Capital Area Agriculture & Horticulture Program (CAAHP) are pleased to present the Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate Workshop, This event is directed to farms of all sizes and all types of farm products. Dairy and livestock farms are especially encouraged to participate in this program due to their additional concerns regarding animal agriculture. This informative workshop will be held on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

What: A workshop to help farm owners prepare for potential disaster.

When: March 16, 2018, 9:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Where: CCE Saratoga County, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

This 6-hour training program focuses on pre-disaster education and preparedness, covering key topics such as:

• Farm equipment safety on the road
• Barn fire and structure collapse prevention
• Minimizing storm damage, coping with power outages, and maintaining continuity of farm operations duringcommunity disasters
• Reducing criminal activity and stored chemical risks
• Enhancing livestock handling and biosecurity.

Participants are expected to complete all five sections of the workshop by listening to presentations, taking part in discussions, and making notes about what they intend to inspect and modify back on the farm.

Participating farms should be better prepared to withstand a farm emergency with a higher level of resiliency. We expect this will lead to fewer overall insurance claims among participating farms, a safer and more secure food supply, and farm families who have an increased sense of readiness for potential disasters.

Several farm insurance companies in New York are acknowledging this program and will provide an incentive for farm owners to participate. Farms that complete the Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate Training will receive a dated certificate to provide to their insurer. The certificate may be a condition of eligibility for receiving a more favorable farm insurance policy review or a discount on the farm's annual insurance premium. The economic value of the recognition or discount will vary according to individual insurance policies and policyholder circumstances. 

Space is limited.  Please register by Tuesday, February 20th.  The cost to participate in the course is $35 per person.  You may register online as well by going to: http://bit.ly/DisasterPrepMarch16, or by calling Tove Ford at CCE of Albany County at 518-765-3518.