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Western New York Welcome Center: Cuomo announces Taste NY Farm Markets to begin April 1

Sat, Mar 16th 2019 07:00 am

‘Intro to Composting’ seminar March 28

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that Taste NY Farm Markets will begin at New York State Thruway service areas for the 2019 season on Monday, April 1.

The Taste NY Farm Markets will promote the food and beverage products found around the state. The Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets are continuing this annual offering of locally grown produce from New York’s farms.

“Taste NY is an economic engine in every corner of the state and has expanded New York’s booming agriculture industry,” Cuomo said. “These farm markets at Thruway service areas will provide farmers and producers a unique opportunity to showcase their products to millions of tourists, supporting the growth of farms and small businesses across the Empire State.”

“From maple syrup, to dairy, to fruits and vegetables, New York produces an amazing variety of high-quality agricultural products,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Our Taste NY program showcases the best we have to offer, and we are looking forward to another season providing travelers with fresh, locally grown products at stops along the Thruway.”

The New York State Thruway features outdoor farm market locations at service areas across its 570-mile system. In 2018, 12 local producers from regions across New York State participated in the markets at 20 service areas, reaching millions of visitors who travel the Thruway throughout the spring, summer and fall.

Customers will have access to locally grown fruit, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, nuts, butter, cheese and more depending on availability. Only produce grown or produced in New York state may be sold. Market days and hours of operation are dependent on product availability and weather. Motorists are encouraged to visit www.thruway.ny.gov for locations, hours, participating farms and available products.

New York vendors interested in selling food products at Taste NY Farm Markets should email [email protected] for more information on how to participate this season.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, “Our service areas offer a unique setting which can reach millions of people from across the state, country, and world. The Thruway Authority is proud to support the Taste NY initiative by providing a venue where our local farmers and producers can sell their goods to the traveling public.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said, “We thank Cuomo and Executive Director Driscoll for supporting Taste NY and providing our farmers and producers with a platform to showcase their top-notch products and reach new markets. The start of the farm market season is a reminder of our rich and longstanding tradition of agriculture and its economic impact in New York state.”

• • •

Taste NY will join with Grand Island Farms and the Town of Grand Island’s Conservation Advisory Board to host a free event called “From Garbage to Garden: Intro to Composting.”

The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Western New York Welcome Center, 1999 Alvin Road.

Local farmers and gardening enthusiasts will gather for this educational seminar with master gardener Bonnie Benton from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

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