Peoples' Produce Project Takes Off in Oswego County

Submitted by Oswego County



The Peoples’ Produce Project is a volunteer project that was launched last year by Oswego County Department of Social Services staff members.
 
Building on a successful first season, the initiative continues to help local residents supplement their pantries with fresh local produce.
 
“We began this project last year with four raised garden beds that held over a dozen vegetables and herbs,” said Elaine Samson, a Department of Social Services community service worker and project coordinator. 

“It yielded more than 200 servings of vegetables and served approximately 100 families. This year, the garden has doubled in size and offers more produce to visitors at the county offices in Mexico,” Samson said.
 
The People’s Produce Project now has eight garden beds which include eggplant, acorn squash, Swiss chard, green leaf lettuce, yellow beans and dill and the staple items that were offered last year.
 
Samson and her team of volunteers received donations and support from many individuals and organizations.
 
“We were so happy with last season’s results that we wanted to expand the garden and plant an even bigger variety of vegetables this year,” said Samson. “We couldn’t have done this without the community’s support. Many people and businesses have made generous contributions and volunteered their time to help build and maintain the gardens.”
 
This year’s volunteers include: John and Brennan Samson, Adriana Ketchum, Marcia Birdsell, Lela Fuller, Heather Ladd, Jill Wood, Catherine Livoti-Rice and Bob Ireland, a caseworker at DSS, who built a farm market stand to display the garden’s harvest.
 
Michelle Lawson of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County helped with the design and placement of the beds and provided guidance on their content. 

Other supporters include Caster’s Sawmill in Sandy Creek; Fowler’s Greenhouse in Hannibal; Ontario Orchards in Oswego; and Oliver Paine Greenhouses in Fulton. Many staff members contributed to the project through monthly fund-raising luncheons. 
 
For more information about the project, or to make a contribution or volunteer, call 963-5463.

Gotham Greens Opens New Facility in Queens

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

Gotham Greens, a global pioneer in the field of urban agriculture and a leading regional producer of local vegetables and herbs, opened its newly built 60,000-square-foot facility located on Jamaica Avenue in the Hollis section of Queens.  
 
The massive facility nearly triples the amount of award-winning, local produce Gotham Greens can provide to New York Tri-State area consumers, and together with its new, nearly 2-acre rooftop greenhouse in Chicago, it represents an almost 400 percent expansion of Gotham Greens’ business overall.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided $1 million towards the project to expand the greenhouse and help Gotham Greens reduce its energy consumption. This money helped pay for the installation of high-efficiency lighting, cooling and automated crop production systems. 

New York State Empire State Development is also providing Gotham Greens with up to $152,000, in Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credits in exchange for Gotham Greens’ commitment to create and sustain a minimum of 46 full-time jobs through 2024. They are currently at 40 full-time jobs and expect to exceed more than 50 in the next few months.

Nelson Farms to Host Presentation at New York Farm Show

From Morrisville State College:

Nelson Farms, located in Nelson, Madison County, will present a seminar at the 2016 New York Farm Show at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 in the Bistro Room of the Arts & Homes Building, NYS Fairgrounds, Geddes.

The seminar will provide answers to questions about product development, legalities, product marketing and how Nelson Farms may be able to help. The seminar is free for anyone who attends the New York Farm Show.

“We’re really excited to be a part of the show and to share our knowledge and resources about product development with the public,” said Kristi Cranwell, director at Nelson Farms. “A lot of people may have a great product but may need a little help with value-added opportunities that will add to their profits. If we can provide even a starting point for those people, we’ve done our job.”

For 13 years, Nelson Farms, Morrisville State College’s small-scale, FDA inspected food processing incubator, with newly added shared-use facility, has been providing local farmers, growers, and producers the knowledge and resources to add value to their products, while offering workshops, trainings, and classes throughout the year.

Working closely with state Department of Agriculture & Markets, Nelson Farms also operates a Pride of New York Country Store, selling products produced in their own kitchens, as well as products from all regions of New York State. A variety of these products will be available for sale and sampling at their booth in the Arts & Home Building throughout show.

Tickets to the Farm Show, which will be held Feb. 25, 26 and 27, are available for free from Northeast Equipment Dealers or by writing to the New York Farm Show, PO Box 3470, Syracuse, NY 13220 (must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with request by Feb. 15). 

Adult tickets can also be purchased at the door for $5, children under 18 are free. Free parking and bus shuttles are available. 

For additional information about the Farm Show, visit www.newyorkfarmshow.com.

Taste NY Market at Todd Hill Brings In $1M in Sales

From the state Department of Agriculture and Markets:

The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill recently hit a major milestone, bringing in more than $1 million in total sales.  

The majority of the revenues go directly to New York growers and producers, and provide a boost to the local agricultural economy. The Market has featured more than 112 New York state vendors and has sold more than 1,200 different products in the store since its opening in June 2014, helping local farmers, beverage producers and other merchants reach new markets. 

The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill also provides valuable information on the extensive agri-tourism opportunities in the area.

The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill, which is operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County with support from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, is a unique Taste NY experience located on the Taconic State Parkway one mile south of Route 55 in LaGrange. 

The Taste NY Market provides a showcase for local farms and businesses to highlight and sell their locally produced products, including milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, juice, sauces, honey, jams, maple syrup, farm-raised beef, lamb, pork and poultry. Inventory is rotated regularly.

 

Based on an ongoing customer satisfaction survey, the Taste NY Market’s overall customer satisfaction rating is 97 percent. Survey-takers praised the “high quality products, service and environment,” as well as the “excellent local and organic products” available for sale, which allow New York residents to support local farms and businesses.

The Best Time of the Year in New York

Isn't it great to live in New York, folks??

We're getting into the heart of the fresh produce season, and nothing's better than that. We've already picked sweet strawberries locally and now it's time for peas, raspberries, blueberries, sweet cherries and everyone's favorite -- sweet corn.

I implore everyone to get out there and visit a farmers' market or farmstand. Or, check out the produce section of your supermarket -- many of them carry fresh veggies and fruits from local farmers.

National Farmers' Market Week is Aug. 2-8

A farmers' market in the U.S.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has declared Aug. 2 through 8 as "National Farmers' Market Week." 

This year marks the 16th annual National Farmers Market Week in honor of the important role farmers' markets play in local economies. Throughout the week,the U.S. Department of Agriculture will celebrate thousands of our nation's farmers' markets, the farmers and ranchers who make them possible and the communities that host them.

Throughout the week, USDA officials will celebrate at farmers market locations across the country. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Anne Alonzo, administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service – which conducts research, provides technical assistance, and awards grants to support farmers markets – will kick off the week at the Santa Fe Farmers Market in New Mexico. The Santa Fe Farmers Market is the oldest in New Mexico and is ranked as one of the top 10 farmers' markets nationwide.

To find a summer farmers' market near you, go to http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/summer-markets/

Farmers' markets provide consumers with fresh, affordable, convenient and healthy products from local producers. With support from USDA, more farmers' markets offer customers the opportunity to make purchases with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program; and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs.

Supporting farmers markets is a part of the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which coordinates the Department's policy, resources, and outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems.

Farm Tax Credit Bill Passes Assembly

The Farm Tax Credit bill, which provides a tax credit for farmers who use the Thruway to transport produce, passed the Assembly today.

Here is one statement:

"I was pleased to vote in favor of the farm tax credit in the Assembly," said Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-Pulaski.

"This bill establishes a much-needed tax credit for Thruway tolls for farmers. Passing this type of legislation is a good example of how our state can be friendlier to businesses, especially farmers who work so hard to provide local produce and need to travel to reach the fresh-food markets. 

"We should be helping them get from place to place, not discouraging travel with Thruway fees. I was pleased to co-sponsor this measure and vote in favor. I am urging the Senate to take this measure up next. I hope to see similar bills friendly to small business and agriculture come to the Assembly floor for a vote in the upcoming weeks."

Restaurateur Buys Farm to Supply Produce for his Business

If you can't find enough fresh veggies for your restaurant, do what this enterprising guy did.

Check it out http://upstart.bizjournals.com/companies/innovation/2014/01/12/why-restaurateur-david-zecchini-bought.html?page=all at this link.

Oswego County Harvest Dinner Oct. 18

There is one great way each year to savor all of the agriculture in Oswego County.

That's the Oswego County Harvest Dinner, this year set for 6:15 p.m. Oct. 18 at the American Foundry in Oswego. The event features local chefs using vegetables like onions, fruits like apples, various cuts of meat and other foods grown right in Oswego County to make delectable dishes.

This year boasts the fourth annual Harvest Dinner and believe me, the event has grown in popularity each and every year. Tickets sell out fast.

Tickets for the event are $35 for one or $65 for two and must be purchased ahead of time. Prepaid reservations can be made sending payment to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, Harvest Dinner, 3288 Main St., Mexico, NY 13114. No tickets will be sold at the door.

I went to this dinner last year and believe me, it is worth the price. The food is excellent and it really is thrilling to hear about the foods grown in Oswego County and the hard-working farmers behind them.

The evening begins with a social hour, including a sampling of Oswego County beverages. Guests will be served a six-course meal showcasing the scrumptious and diverse agricultural products grown and made in Oswego County.

Guest speaker for the evening will be Chris Fesko, an award-winning agricultural educator who runs her On the Farm Discovery Center in Spafford, Onondaga County, where she takes in school group tours throughout the spring.

She also is the creator and producer of the "On the Farm" video series that helps children and adults understand farming, the work that is done on the farm and how all of that work is responsible for the food we eat each day. Her videos have won four Telly Awards, three Parents' Choice awards and many other honors. She won the Ag Promotion Award this year from the New York State Agricultural Society.

There also will be raffle baskets featuring Oswego County’s finest agricultural products and more.

For more information on the Oswego County Harvest Dinner please call 315-963-7286 or e-mail lkw39@cornell.edu.

Farmers Can Donate Produce to Food Banks

This news comes from Cornell University:

Growers with good food but no market are encouraged to donate produce to food banks throughout the state as part of the “Glean NY” initiative.

 

Farmers will be reimbursed for the cost of harvesting donated produce, a benefit made possible by a donation from The Walmart Foundation to the Food Bank Association of New York State.

 

“While we don’t have a statistic for how much food is not harvested each year, we know the amount varies with each year’s weather and marketing conditions,” said Rebecca Schuelke Staehr, a Cayuga County farmer and a gleaning coordinator with Cornell University. “Just a small percentage of the produce grown in New York could equal tens of thousands of pounds of nutritious food.”

 

Glean NY is a collaboration among the state’s farmers, the Food Bank Association of New York State, New York Farm Bureau and Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

 

“This collaboration benefits farmers by giving them an avenue to donate otherwise unmarketable or un-harvested crops, reduce food waste, and feed millions of people in need with healthy, New York State fruits and vegetables,” said Sharon M. Smith, executive director of the Food Bank Association of New York State.

 

Brothers Bruce, Mark and Andy Reeves, of Lysander's Reeves Farm, raise vegetables and berries on more than 1,000 acres of farmland. Over the years, the Reeves family has donated produce to the Food Bank of Central New York.

 

“The food bank has been a valuable partner in food distribution in the state,” Brian Reeves said.  “We are glad to help feed not only the affluent customer who obviously helps our bottom line, but all area citizens.  A healthy citizenry begins with good nutrition and fresh vegetables. Without the help of the Food Bank, many of our neediest citizens may go without.”

 

All varieties of produce in quantities large and small are welcome and do not have to be washed or graded. In some instances, food banks can supply field crates, and pickup food at the farm with refrigerated trucks. To arrange pickup of donations call the Food Bank Association of New York at (518) 433-4505. 

 

Donations may be tax deductible.

Farming in Beantown

This is great news for people in and near Boston.

Go to http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2013/06/24/proposed-rules-could-increase-farming-boston/OZI6zekNrF7KVhsibc1zTN/story.html to see what's going on.

Program on Selling Farm Products to Businesses, Institutions Coming in July

An important program on selling farm products to businesses is coming up next month.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and Foodlink are hosting the program titled "Selling Your Farm Produts to Local Businesses and Institution" from 9 a.m. to noon July 15 at the Foodlink Distribution Center,
1999 Mt. Read Blvd., Rochester.

According to a news release, the program is aimed to give farmers "the practical facts about how to plan for marketing relationships with businesses and institutions, maintain the supply contacts, and other important factors, like risk and profitability."

Attendees will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of small-scale wholesale, pricing and crop planning and will be able to tour Foodlink’s new food hub distribution center and learn its role for farmers in marketing. There also will be an official from an area institution on hand to talk to farmers about the possibility of purchasing food directly from the farm.

The cost is $10. To register or for more information, call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 585-394-3977 ext. 427 or email Nancy at nea8@cornell.edu with your name, address, and phone number.

Buy Local Everyone!

A story about the importance of buying local.

Go to http://www.wbko.com/news/headlines/Agriculture-Festival-Stresses-Importance-of-Buying-Local-212626371.html?ref=371 to read and/or listen to the story.

Webinar Set on Selling Produce to the USDA

Want to learn how to sell produce to the USDA?

Go to https://amsfv.webex.com/mw0307l/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=amsfv&service=6&rnd=0.6951451795389377&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Famsfv.webex.com%2Fec0606l%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26confViewID%3D1091141977%26%26%26%26siteurl%3Damsfv to find out about a webinar coming up next week on the topic.

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.

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.

'Locally Grown' Gets Tricky in the Cold

Check out this http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/dining/winter-poses-challenges-for-chefs-with-a-local-ethos.html?_r=0 New York Times story about where restaurateurs turn when they can't get locally grown products in the winter.