Farmers Should Sign Up Now for Taste NY Thruway Sites

From New York Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets  encourages farmers across New York state to sign up to sell their products at service areas along the Thruway this season.
 
For years, New York state has been committed to showcasing some of its finest vendors and their products. From locally grown fruits and vegetables to some of the most superb cheese and herbs in the northeast, promoting these products to travelers continues to be a priority.
 
“Providing motorists with exceptional service in every aspect of our system is paramount in all that we do,” said Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Bill Finch.
 
“Continuing to expand our Taste NY Farmers’ Markets to offer travelers access to locally grown, healthy foods while also helping to create agricultural jobs in New York is an initiative that all of us at the Thruway Authority take great pride in and I encourage farmers to take part in this program,” Finch said.
 
The Thruway Authority has outdoor farmers’ market locations at service areas across the state. Last year, nearly one dozen farmers from regions all across New York participated in the markets at 19 service areas, reaching millions of visitors who travel the Thruway throughout the spring and summer months.
 
A list of Thruway Authority service area locations is available here -- http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/travelplazas/index.cgi
 
“Farmers’ markets are a welcome addition to the Thruway’s service areas,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “They highlight each of the region’s agricultural strengths and provide our farmers a unique opportunity to connect with new consumers.
 
“Taste NY Farmers’ Markets also give travelers healthy food options and a chance to interact in person with our state’s great producers,” Ball said.
 
New York vendors interested in selling food products at Taste NY Farmers’ Markets should email TravelersServices@thruway.ny.gov for more information on how to participate this season.
 
Taste NY is an initiative launched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries.
 
It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of venues throughout the state and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park. 

Check Out Winter Farmers' Markets

New Yorkers should remember that dozens of farmers’ markets are open across the state through the winter season.  

Winter markets provide shoppers the opportunity to buy farm-fresh foods and other products while supporting local farmers. 

For a second year, 14 winter markets are also issuing FreshConnect Checks, which allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to increase their buying power when they shop at farmers’ markets. 

Additional markets are encouraged to join the program to provide a greater number of FreshConnect checks to people and families in need.

“This is a terrific time to shop at your local farmers’ market and enjoy all they have to offer," said Richard Ball, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.  "Despite the cold weather, New York farmers have plenty of fresh produce and high-quality products available during the winter. Our FreshConnect Checks also provide an added benefit for those in need and I encourage additional markets to join the program this season.”

There are more than 150 farmers’ markets, farm stands and mobile markets across the state that are open now, with additional markets set to open later this month and one scheduled to re-open Feb. 1.  

The markets operate on varying days and times throughout the week and weekend to fit a variety of schedules. They provide consumers with a wide selection of fresh vegetables and value-added goods such as craft beverages, all-natural skin care products, wool products, maple syrup and honey. 

Fourteen winter farmers’ markets are also participating in the FreshConnect program and additional markets have the option to join the program at any time. These markets issue FreshConnect Checks, which provide a $2 incentive for every $5 in SNAP benefits spent, increasing the purchasing power of SNAP recipients by 40 percent. 

For the first time last year, low-income families had the opportunity to use these checks 12 months a year. Previously, the checks were only available at participating markets during the spring and summer. Although the checks are issued at select markets, they may be redeemed at any of the more than 150 markets currently open, or the more than 750 farmers’ markets and farm stands open throughout the year.

Find a complete list of farmers’ markets, farm stands and mobile markets across New York statehttps://data.ny.gov/Economic-Development/Farmers-Markets-in-New-York-State/qq4h-8p86 at this link. Check their operating months to find those open during the winter.

The following winter markets are participating in the FreshConnect Checks Program: 

Capital Region

Empire State Plaza Farmers Market (Albany County)

Saratoga Farmers Market (Saratoga County)

Schenectady Greenmarket (Schenectady County)

Veggie Mobiles Markets (Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties)

Central New York

CNY Regional Market (Onondaga County)

Syracuse Farm Fresh Mobile Market (Onondaga County)

Finger Lakes

Brighton Farmers Market (Monroe County)

Rochester Public Market (Monroe County)

Mid-Hudson

Beacon Farmers Market (Dutchess County)

Cold Spring Farmers Market (Putnam County)

Kingston Winter Farmers Market (Ulster County)

Rhinebeck Farmers Market (Dutchess County)

Mohawk Valley

Oneida County Public Market (Oneida County)

Southern Tier

Broome County Regional Market (Broome County)

Farm Stands Now Can Take Part in WIC Program

News for people with Farm Stands:

Individual farm stands in New York this year for the first time will be able to join farmers' markets and participate in the federal Women, Infant, Children program.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball and Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard A. Zucker said changes in federal regulations allow farm stands to take part in WIC. This means people in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program will be able to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at farm stands this summer and fall.

“Hundreds of farmers at traditional farmers’ markets already participate in the WIC Vegetables and Fruits Check program, and this new innovation will allow individual farm stands to reach a new audience with world class, locally-produced fruits and vegetables,” said Ball.  “Farm stands have flexible hours and can provide other opportunities such as ‘pick your own’ operations for WIC families.”

“The WIC program ensures that mothers and their young children have access to the food and resources essential to healthy living,” said Dr. Zucker. “This partnership gives more families the ability to eat well, and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the farm.”

The state Department of Health recently announced that children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women participating in WIC will receive an increase in the amount of fruit and vegetables that they can purchase each month. Through federal funds, WIC currently provides $8 per month for children and $10 per month for women to purchase fruits and vegetables of their choice. 

Beginning in March 2015, the Health Department will use state funds to increase the benefit by $4 per check per month through September 2015.

At farm stands, vouchers may be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers. 

Farmers operating farm stands who are interested in becoming authorized to participate in the WIC Vegetables and Fruits Check program can obtain information by visiting the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ WIC Vegetables and Fruits Check program webpage and registering for an upcoming farmer training webinar at: http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/agservices/fmnp-wic-vf.html.

Potsdam Farmers' Market Seeks Vendors

The Potsdam Farmers’ Market is seeking vendors for its season that begins May 9 in Ives Park.

Vendor applications can be obtained at www.thepotsdamfarmersmarket.org , under the “Become a Vendor” tab. Rules for the market are available there as well.

The market is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 31. There is also potential for a Wednesday market held at the same times.   

The pre-season meeting is at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 in the 2^nd floor community room at the Potsdam Civic Center. All interested are welcome to attend. Vendors can hand in their application, necessary paperwork and vendor fee at that time. 

The full season vendor fee is $60 if paid by May 1, $70 if paid after May 1, $120 for double stall and $15 for a single day set-up.

Farmers, meat-producers, value-added (wine, baked goods, jams, jellies, etc.) and handmade crafters are welcome as vendors.  On-site food sales are also welcome, with proper health department standards followed. 

For any questions regarding the market, please contact Laura Popielski, Market Manager at thepotsdamfarmersmarket@gmail.com or call (716) 725-7782.

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.

Farmers' Market Destroyed in Fire

Oh no! Fire destroys a farmers' market.

Read the story http://www.thebullvine.com/news/huge-fire-guts-st-jacobs-farmers-market-waterloo-ont/ at this link.

New York State Fair Farmers' Market Really Something to Behold

There are only two days left (Sunday and Monday) for the New York State Fair.

Be sure, once inside the main gate, to stop at the Farmers' Market and check out the locally grown vegetables and fruits. 

Of course, you don't want to carry them around with you all day, so be sure to stop before you leave to buy some for dinner. Or tomorrow's dinner.

Enjoy!!

National Farmers' Market Week Begins Sunday

National Farmers' Market Week runs from Aug. 4-10.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is kicking off the week with an announcement Saturday at a Washington D.C. market of how many markets are registered in the 2013 National Farmers' Market Directory.

Go to http://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/Accessible.aspx to search the Farmers Market Directory. Once at this site, you can plug in where you live by zip code and how many miles you are willing to travel. Hit search and a great list of farmers' markets will pop up, telling you what is sold there, where they are located and hours of operation and if they take WIC, SNAP or credit cards.

The full Farmers Market Directory, which can be found  farmersmarkets.usda.gov at this link, also identifies new farmers' markets, the states with the highest number of markets in operation and the total number of farmers' markets that have registered throughout the United States.

The number of farmers' markets in the United States and New York state is increasing. The USDA stated there were 6,132 farmers markets in the country in 2010, 7,175 in 2011 and 7,864 in 2012.

In New York, there were 575 farmers' markets in 2012, 520 farmers’ markets in 2011 and 500 in 2000. Diane Eggert, executive director of the Farmers' Market Federation of New York based in Fayetteville, said the 2013 count is more than 600. 

And just think, in 2000 there were a mere 235 farmers’ markets in the state.

The new updated National Farmers Market Directory lists 8,144 farmers markets, up from about 5,000 in 2008. 

Farmers' market managers voluntarily supply their market information to the USDA directory providing a snap shot of the number of markets that have registered with the directory.

Farmers' markets are important not only to the farmers selling their goods, but they also are key to consumers. The whole locavore or buy local movement — people who want to buy food grown locally — has pushed the number of farmers’ markets and those buying at farmers’ markets into the stratosphere.

Ontario Farm Market Seeks Vendors

Just found this on Facebook -- thanks to Assemblyman Bob Oaks.

The Ontario Farm Market located at Fresh Roots Natural Foods Co-Op, 1640 Rt. 104 (just east of the Rite Aid store) is seeking vendors.

The market is open from 3 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday. Pass this along to anyone you feel may be interested. 

No charge for vendor booths. Contact: (315) 524-2238 or email freshrootscoop@gmail.com

Oaks said other farmers' markets in Wayne and Cayuga counties also are looking for vendors.

NYS Increases Access to Farmers' Markets for Low-Income Senior Citizens

News from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

The state is providing more than $1.8 million to provide low-income senior New Yorkers with access to farmers’ markets across New York.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the funding will provide more than 100,000 senior citizens with access to healthy food at 470 farmers’ markets through the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. New York state operates one of the largest such programs in the nation.

“The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is an important resource that provides New Yorkers with access to fresh, locally grown produce while also supporting the local economies and agricultural sector,” Cuomo said.

“Through this program, we are connecting more than 100,000 low-income seniors across the state with affordable, healthy food options in their communities and providing a boost to local farmers bringing their products to market in every region of the state," Cuomo said. "I encourage all eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of this program and see what New York’s farmers have to offer.”

More than 100,000 booklets consisting of five $4 checks are being distributed, and can be used to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from 950 farmers vending at 470 community farmers’ markets across the state.

The program is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in cooperation with the New York State Office for the Aging, New York State Department of Health Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Checks can be used at participating farmers markets through Nov. 30.

In Upstate counties, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program checks are issued by county-based offices for the aging. Eligible recipients must be age 60 or older and meet the income eligibility requirement. Each household must affirm that they are low-income based on one of the following criteria:

Gross monthly income at or below 185 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines:

• $1,772 per month for a one-person household
• $2,392 per month for a two-person household
• $3,011 per month for a three-person household

Or:
 
Currently receiving or eligible to receive one of the following benefits: Supplemental Security Income, public assistance, or Section 8 housing subsidy.

“This initiative to promote healthy products to older New Yorkers will help farmers’ markets expand their customer base and help spur local economies,” said Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine.

"A healthy diet consisting of New York grown fresh fruits and vegetables is paramount to one’s health and a contributor to maintaining one’s independence," said Greg Olsen, acting director of the state Office for the Aging. "The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is an important ingredient to help eligible older New Yorkers improve health outcomes, combat obesity and provide support to local farmers."

For more information, call (800) 554-4501. Go to  http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/CommunityFarmersMarkets.asp for a list of farmers' markets.

10 Reasons to Take Children to Farmers' Markets

One of the best things I've read in a looooong time.

All parents should cut this out and put it on the fridge.

Go to http://farmersmarkets.streamshare.com/posts/4259 to see the story.