Statement From Farmers Market Federation on Coronavirus

The Farmers Market Federation of New York posted the following update on how coronavirus or Covid-19 could affect farmers markets in the state.

Go to https://mailchi.mp/acc3c7be6238/market-matters-march-2020?fbclid=IwAR1USSP8XUeg9D91_N5tlCQqBu953-2Lg1aeFNbvoUSScTklxysfsC-dkoo to read the information.

Other coronavirus info:

The New York State Fair also has canceled all events at the fairgrounds in Geddes through the end of the month.

Here is the fair's statement:

"Today, Gov. Cuomo announced that all events in New York state of more than 500 people will be canceled as part of the effort to suppress the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, we are canceling all public events on the New York State Fairgrounds through the end of March. 

"We are working with event promoters to secure alternate dates for their events when possible and are providing full refunds of deposits. Our first and most important priority is to safeguard the health of everyone who visits the Fairgrounds and we will continue to take all necessary actions in order to achieve that goal."

Also, the WNY EquiFest, a large equine event that attracts more than 6,000 people to the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY, also has been canceled. Here is the statement from the event's Facebook page:

"In an effort to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a ban today on all public gatherings of more than 500 people. As a result of the governor’s declaration, WNY EquiFest has been canceled for 2020.

The health and safety of our employees, exhibitors, patrons and volunteers is our utmost priority and we truly apologize to all impacted by this announcement."

The event was set for March 21-22.

NYS Joins with Mobile App to Continue SNAP Use at Farmers Markets

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo:

New York state and the Farmers Market Federation of New York have reached an agreement with the mobile application vendor, Novo Dia Group, to enable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to continue to use their benefits at farmers' markets across the state through the rest of the farmers' market season. 

Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging federal action on this issue.

 

"New York will not stand idly by as the federal government's ineptitude takes food out of the mouths of New Yorkers," Cuomo wrote to Perdue. 

"This is just another example of the Trump administration's continued assault on the nation's most needy," Cuomo said. "While the federal government doles out a contract to an untested company using outdated technology, we will continue to protect not only our most vulnerable residents, but our hard-working farmers."

 

Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the new contract that provides SNAP EBT equipment and services for farmers' markets to a company that does not support mobile, cellular-based transactions, denying hundreds of thousands of needy families the opportunity to purchase fresh, nutritious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables.  

With no replacement technology in place, and no foresight by the federal government to anticipate this situation, both farmers and SNAP beneficiaries would have suffered. 

The Novo Dia Group, which worked with the USDA to develop the cellular mobile technology that enables farmers' markets to accept SNAP benefit cards for purchases, had indicated that they were no longer able to continue in business due to the lack of continued support from the USDA.

 

In addition, USDA failed to notify impacted states of this problem. Immediately after learning of this egregious oversight, New York state began to work with the Farmers Market Federation of NY and other impacted states to formulate a solution.

 

New York State's short-term agreement with Novo Dia will provide uninterrupted access for SNAP recipients to continue to make purchases at farmers' markets, while also benefiting our local farmers during their busiest season.

 

"Losing access to SNAP through the Novo Dia Group would have been devastating to farmers' markets. Low income consumers would lose access to fresh, healthy and locally grown foods, while our state's farmers would have lost significant income that is critical to supporting our family farmers," said Diane Eggert, executive director.of the Farmers Market Federation of NY.

A record number of farmers markets in NYS now accept SNAP benefits.

Farmers Market Conference Nov. 15-17

The Farmers' Market Federation of New York will have its annual Farmers Market Managers Training Conference, “Building Capacity of Markets,” Nov. 15 to 17 at the Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County.

The conference will focus on helping farmers markets build their capacity to grow and succeed for the benefit of their farmers, consumers and host community. 

Keynote speaker, Kim LaMendola, Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development, will discuss the benefits that farmers markets bring to a community and help market managers understand the language needed to convey this critical message to government leaders.

An evening banquet features Tom Rivers, author of "Farm Hands: Hard work and hard lessons from the Western New York Fields." Rivers' talk is sure to enlighten and entertain.

Each session of the conference builds on the overall theme of building the capacity of farmers markets to grow and succeed,  improve attendees ability to manage their market, advance their market’s potential for long-term sustainability and promote a marketplace that achieves a mission of supporting local farmers. 

Participating market managers are also taught the importance of providing a venue for consumers to purchase locally grown nutritious foods, and serving as responsible community partners.

The conference will feature a series of break-out sessions for emerging markets, focusing on helping them to bring their markets up to the next level of success. Other breakouts will focus on experienced managers, talking about more advanced concepts such as best practices in SNAP programs at farmers markets. 

The conference also will feature daily tours to farms, a food hub and a local brew pub.

Another new feature of the 2016 Farmers Market Managers Conference is a scholarship program to encourage market managers across New York State to take advantage of the lessons and networking that happens at the conference. 

To access the conference scholarship application, go to http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/overview.  But hurry, deadline for scholarship applications is Sep. 26.

The full conference program, agenda and hotel information can be found at http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/overview.   

For more information, contact the Farmers Market Federation of NY at deggert@nyfarmersmarket.com or call (315) 400-1447.

It's National Farmers Market Week

Get out and visit your local farmers market!!!

Very true, very true.

From Chris Rock. I totally agree.

NY Begins Farmers' Market Manager Certification Program

The state is beginning a program to train farmers' markets managers.

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets and The Farmers’ Market Federation of NY in Syracuse, in partnership with SUNY Cobleskill and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, announced Monday the Farmers’ Market Managers Professional Certification Course.

The FMM PRO program is poised to grow and professionalize New York’s increasing number of farmers’ markets and create New York state’s first market manager certification designation, which is recognized through the SUNY system.  

FMM PRO also is geared toward opening new markets and increasing opportunities for New York state agriculture producers.

 

A growing demand from consumers for fresh, healthy local foods has brought an increase in the number of farmers’ markets across the state.  New York state is home to 646 farmers’ markets, up nearly 35 percent from just five years ago.

 

The FMM PRO program provides an online curriculum to ensure the quality and performance of farmers’ markets across the state. The 22 unique training modules will help market managers better organize, administer and promote their markets.

 

The FMM PRO course curriculum includes all aspects of maintaining and growing a successful farmers’ market and is broken down into three modules:

 

1.     Nuts and Bolts of Managing Markets

2.     Reaching Out to the Market Community

3.     Building Market Systems

 

Program participants who complete the full curriculum will receive a certificate and earn the title of Certified Market Manager. As a FMM PRO Certified Market Manager, graduates of the program will:

 

**   Be fully knowledgeable in today’s best practices for managing farmers’ markets

**   Learn tactics to expand and optimize their farmers’ market

**  Be equipped to build successful relationships with farmers and shoppers

**  Be able to use their certification to leverage funding and support for their market

 

The cost of the SUNY Farmers’ Market Managers Professional Certification is $200 for 12 months of access to the online curriculum.  Discounts are available for multiple registrations for market organizations.  

Participants need to complete all 22 sessions within this time frame, including a quiz and homework assignment from each section in order to receive certification. 

In addition, they will need to earn two continuing education credits bi-annually by attending special sessions at the Federation’s annual Farmers’ Market Managers Conference and/or specified manager training webinars in order to maintain their certification.  

The program is also available to out-of-state participants. 

 

Registration for the course is ongoing, enabling participants to register and complete the full curriculum at their convenience. To register, a participant will need to complete an online application and submit payment online. Once your payment is received, participants will be emailed a code to access the online course. 

To register for FMM Pro: Farmers’ Market Managers Certification Program, go to  http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/fmmpro

Vote for Your Favorite Farmers' Market

Vote for your favorite farmers' market by going to http://markets.farmland.org/

Grants Available to Help Farmers' Markets Accept SNAP Payments

From the USDA:

Up to $3.3 million in competitive funding is available to support the ability of farmers' markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

These grants will help expand SNAP  participants' access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other nutritious foods found at farmers' markets, while supporting the nation's farmers and producers.

Applications to apply for the grants are due June 18. Grant funds will be awarded in September. For further information about the grant application, visit www.grants.gov.

"We have seen an unprecedented growth in the number of farmers' markets accepting SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards in the past six years," said Kevin Concannon, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Under Secretary of Agriculture. 

"These awards support the markets that may need administrative help in implementing and managing EBT service and informing customers that they can use their SNAP benefits at farmers markets," he said.

He also said there are more than 6,200 farmers' markets and direct marketing farmers authorized to accept SNAP nationwide – an eightfold increase since the beginning of this administration. In fiscal year 2014, about $18.7 million in SNAP benefits were used at farmers' markets, an increase of 7.5 percent over 2013. 

The Farmers Market SNAP Support Grants will range from $15,000 to $250,000 and must be designed to increase SNAP client accessibility and participation at farmers' markets, and support the establishment, expansion, and promotion of SNAP EBT services at farmers markets.

Farmers' Markets Ready to Roll

I just posted an idea a couple of days ago about how it will soon be time to visit your local farmers' market.

Well, USDA agrees. Check out its video on the subject.

Again, to find a market near you, go to http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/find-a-market/. Then search by city, county or one of many other categories.

Farmers' Market Time is Approaching

It's getting to be Farmers' Market time in New York state.

To find a market near you, go to http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/find-a-market/. Then search by city, county or one of many other categories.

Enjoy and buy some great locally grown fruits, vegetables or meats or locally made goods.

Postage Stamps Honor Farmers Markets

From the USDA:

Four postage stamps honoring farmers markets were unveiled at a farmers market near the White House this week.

Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack said the stamps will help keep farmers markets on people's minds.

"A lot of folks have talked about the benefits of farmers markets and that’s certainly true. This postage stamp will give us the opportunity to focus on those benefits. It’s been mentioned that it obviously is access to great food and I’d encourage everybody to spend a few bucks while you’re here," Vilsack said.
Vilsack said the stamps are coming out at a great time as farmers markets are very popular these days. "We’ve seen a dramatic increase in farmers markets across the United States. A 76 percent increase and today we have over 8,268 markets throughout the United States," he said.

The artist who created the stamps said she was inspired by farmers markets she attends.

"They show some of what you can get there and the freshness and the spirit of the market. They’re a community gathering spot. They’re a wonderful place to get good, fresh food, and you get to meet your farmers," said Robin Moline, farmers market stamp illustrator.

To find a market in New York state, go to the Farmers Market Federation of New York website at  http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/farmers-market-profiles/markets/markets.html

Postal Service To Honor Farmers' Markets

Now this is cool.

The U.S. Postal Service is honoring Farmers' Markets. These will be Forever stamps and will be available in August.

Here is what the USPS says about these upcoming stamps:

Fruits, vegetables, cheeses, flowers, and other fresh products invitingly displayed on tables or bins — farmers markets invite us to share America’s agricultural bounty.

Four stamps depict a table laden with typical farmers-market fare. 

The stamp on the far left has among its products various fresh breads such as baguettes and rolls, cinnamon buns, cookies, artisan cheeses, and both brown and white eggs. 

The produce on the second stamp includes vegetables and fruits: apples, eggplants, watermelons, peppers, grapes, potatoes, broccoli, and gourds. 

Cut flowers adorn the next stamp, with bouquets of bright flowers next to a bucket of sunflowers and a collection of celosia. 

The final stamp on the far right features live plants, with various herbs, tomatoes, and flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums. Most items bear handwritten labels that identify the product and its price.

The artist chose and arranged the products so that each stamp has a large focal point; each stamp is complete in itself yet forms a cohesive whole with the entire stamp strip. The stamp art was created using acrylic paint.

Ritchie Says Fall Means Apples and Pumpkins

A column from state Sen. Patricia Ritchie:

To many people, fall is more than just a change in the weather. 

It’s everything from apple picking and fresh cider to homemade pumpkin pie and taking a drive to see the change in colors.  Here in Upstate New York, we’re lucky to have an abundance of fall flavors and activities right in our backyard. 

This year, there’s no shortage of fall fun — and food — to be had.

A highlight this fall is one of the best apple crops in recent years.  Following last year’s warm spring and early frost that led to less than ideal conditions for apple growers, this year’s orchards are full of fruit that is crisp, flavorful and ready for picking.

New York State is home to more than 650 apple orchards — in fact, the Central and Northern New York regions boast more than a dozen places where you can pick your own.

For a full list of apple growers who sell directly to the public, visit www.nyapplecountry.com.  There, you’ll find not only a listing of orchards in our area, but also information on apple varieties, recipes, a history of New York State apples and so much more.

Along with apples, nothing says fall like a patch full of pumpkins.  Here in New York State there are an estimated 1,400 growers who produce roughly 50,000 tons of pumpkins annually.

Most of these pumpkins are for decorative use with a smaller number designated as “pie pumpkins.”  One of the most popular places pumpkins are popping up?  Craft beer.  With everything from pumpkin ales to Oktoberfest beverages, it’s estimated that eighty-four percent of people who drink craft beer, choose their drink depending on the season. 

As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m working hard to make sure New York’s farm industry continues to grow — producing not only your favorite foods, but also the new businesses and jobs our state depends upon.

This year,  the state budget included key elements from my “Grown in New York” plan, including restored funding for vital marketing and research programs from apples to dairy and maple.

In addition, the Senate and Assembly also lent their support to my innovative new plan that connects state prisons, hospitals and agencies directly with New York farmers to boost purchases of locally produced foods, bringing better nutrition and boosting farmers’ bottom lines.

This year, I also sponsored new legislation that boosts production and sales of cider products by New York farmers, modeled on successful measures that have helped propel New York’s farm winery, distillery and craft brewing sectors.

With the season only lasting several short months, we have to make the most of fall while it lasts (and before the snow starts falling!). 

One of the best places to find everything the season has to offer is your local farmers market.  While many markets have closed for the season, there are a number that will still be open in the weeks to come.

Go to http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/farmers-market-profiles/markets/markets.html to find a list of farmers markets in your area of the state. There also is a list of winter markets at this site.

Best wishes for a happy — and healthy — fall! 

American Farmland Trust Begins I Love My Farmers Market Celebration

Go to http://action.farmland.org/site/PageServer?pagename=farmers_market_managers_tools to find out all about it.

The Top 100 most celebrated markets will receive a special logo honoring their achievement, “No Farms, No Food”® gear, and recognition on the Celebration’s website.

Downtown Syracuse Farmers' Market Open for Business

The Downtown Syracuse Farmers' Market opens today for its run through October.

Many farmers markets throughout the state and Central New York are opening and will include more fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables as the growing and harvest season progresses.

Right now, items like rhubarb and asparagus are available and the harvest of strawberries began last week.

Go to http://nyfarmersmarket.com/farmers-market-profiles/markets/markets.html to find a farmers' market near you. You can search by clicking on a letter (such as M for Manlius Farmers' Market) or go to the search box on the upper right part of the page and type in what you're looking for. For example, typing Syracuse brings up a list of markets (Downtown Syracuse, St. Joseph, Central New York Regional Market) and some farmers who sell goods at these markets.

You also can check out the Facebook page for the Farmers Market Federation of New York at https://www.facebook.com/FMFNY  

Baldwinsville Farmers' Market Opens Today

Baldwinsville Farmers' Market begins today!! Check it out.

How to Get the Most Out of a Trip to the Farmers Market

Go to http://www.agrinews-pubs.com/Content/Default/Field-Editor-Blogs/Article/Get-the-most-of-experience-shopping-at-farmers-market/-3/82/7000 to see the story.

New Tool Created by USDA to Help People Find Out About Local Federal Ag Projects

Go to http://www.usda.gov/maps/maps/kyfcompassmap.htm to find the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food compass. It's a map tool for finding federal projects being done throughout the country and what the money is being used for. Many of the projects deal with the buy local theme or buying foods from local farmers.

You can zoom in on the map to any area -- even Central New York. Check it out and click on the little dots for information.

Cicero Farmers Market Seeks Vendors; Others May Need Vendors Too

Go to http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/town_of_cicero_seeks_farmers_p.html for more information.

Also check out http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/farmers-market-profiles/markets/markets.html this site for the Farmers Market Federation of New York to see if there are any other markets where you could sell your goods. you can search this site by community and then find a phone number to call to see if there are openings to sell your wares.