GROW-NY Competition

Grow-NY is an international food and agriculture business competition that seeks growing entrepreneurial companies that are developing innovations in food, agriculture, and beverages.  These companies are vying for mentoring, training, and a $1,000,000 top prize.  This year, New York Ag in the Classroom sponsored a youth entrepreneur contest to compliment the ideals behind this competition.  Ten youth, 6th-12th grade, from across the state were chosen to present their food system and contemporary technology systems.  Jim Eshelman, an 8th grader here at AA, was chosen to present his agricultural business plan, its current iteration, budget, and future goals.  Jim presented his plan in front of several hundred attendees, including a panel of 5 judges.  After two days of presentations and deliberations, the judges awarded Jim second place in this prestigious event.  He came home with a cash prize and positive recognition that will encourage Jim to continue his path to feed the world through regenerative agriculture practices and use of local commodities-vegetables, sheep, and chickens.