Q. Why do farmers call NY FarmLink?
A. Farmers call FarmLink for help in finding solutions for any farm business or family concern. Farmers turn to FarmLink for help because it is a neutral third party with no political or financial agenda.  In addition, our confidentiality policy means that farmers can feel comfortable about calling for assistance.

Q. What happens when I call NY FarmLink?
A. Farmers contact NY FarmLink by calling toll-free 1-800-547-3276 or by completing the form in the Contact Us section of this site. You will speak confidentially with a staff person who is knowledgeable about agricultural issues. You will be asked to briefly discuss the issue you called about. FarmLink staff will provide an individualized response by supplying information, making referrals, or assigning a FarmLink consultant, depending upon your needs and concerns. You will be asked to provide your name, address, phone number, and general farm data, all of which are kept confidential.

Q. If you are confidential service, then why do you request name, contact information, and farm information?
A. We collect this data in order to provide the best service to you. Sometimes we will need to research a specific topic and will need to call you back. Farm data and location are necessary to determine regional and farm-type resources. Congregate farm data (identifying farm type, size, and concerns) is used to obtain funding. Individual farm information is not shared with anyone.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. FarmLink services are provided to farmers at no cost. Sometimes you may be referred to someone who must charge a fee for their services, but there is no fee for FarmLink services (including consulting.)

Q. How can you provide services for free?
A. NY FarmLink is funded through grants, contracts and sponsorships (both public and private). The main sponsor of FarmLink is the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), but there are many other sponsors that may vary from year to year.

Q. Who are you affiliated with?
A. NY FarmLink is a non-profit program, managed internally by the FarmLink Director who works with a Board of Directors. FarmLink is housed and administered by Cornell University, and is coordinated with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Sponsors and affiliates make referrals to FarmLink because their customers and constituents benefit from working with FarmLink, but confidentiality is maintained - our sponsors and affiliates do not receive private or individualized information about our callers without written permission. FarmLink works hard to remain an objective, professional and confidential program with a focus on providing support to farmers.

Q. Can FarmLink help me if I don't have a computer of my own?
A. Yes! In this age of technology many people think that the “net” in FarmLink refers to the internet, but it does not. The "net" in FarmLink refers to the network of services and resources that are available to support farm families and businesses.