Four area farmers' markets have been awarded state grants as part of a $106,000 package of funding announced Friday by Ag and Markets Commission Patrick Hooker.
The grants will provide promotional support for the farmers' markets, which offer a wide array of products, from fruits and vegetables to wines, meats, eggs, honey, maple syrup, cheeses, homemade crafts as well as other locally produced items.
In this area, the grants are:
ä Oneonta Farmers Market Promotion Program, $5,000.
ä Cobleskill Partnership Inc. , $1,600.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, $5,000.
ä Schoharie County Country Music Festival Inc., $1,515.
The Farmers' Market Grant Program is geared toward assisting in the cost of advertising and marketing activities.
Eligible projects include advertising and marketing activities that promote one or more farmers' markets, such as the design and purchase of portable signs and banners, billboard advertising, brochures and media advertising campaigns.
Hooker said he encouraged people to visit their local farmers' market this summer to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other locally produced products.
"In the face of record high fuel prices, the reasons to support your local farmers' markets are now more compelling than ever," Hooker said.
"Local food systems such as farmers' markets reduce food miles and transportation costs, resulting in significant energy savings,'' he continued. ``Consumers benefit from fresher and better-tasting food, while more food dollars stay within local communities."
Print this story
E-mail this story
