The Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation has selected Royal Strawberry Hill Farm, in Poughkeepsie, to participate in its 2018-19 Farm and Food Funding Accelerator Program (FFFA), which trains food entrepreneurs from across the region to attract outside investment.

Elizabeth Kucinich is director of Royal Strawberry Hill Farm, which is developing “an agro-ecological foodscape and farm complex that will provide sanctuary for humans, domesticated animals and wildlife, featuring therapeutic and educational programs.”

FFFA participants are all farm, food, fiber or agriculture- dependent businesses having their home office, farm or production facility in the Hudson Valley, and sourcing most of their product ingredients and labor force from the region.

Through the FFFA program, they learn how to build their sales in anticipation of speaking with investors, discover new market opportunities and pitch to potential funders. They receive expert instruction and one-on-one counseling and technical assistance, and engage in group interaction and industry networking events. FFFA training began last month and will conclude in the spring with an opportunity for participants to meet New York City and Hudson Valley-based funders that are seeking to invest in ventures that support the local food system.

For more info, visit hvadc.org.