Farm to School Program Looking for Farms to Supply Local Foods to Schools
CCE Harvest NY's Regional Farm to School Coordinator Program is working with NYS Department of Education to support schools participating in the USDA Agriculture and Marketing Services Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program. Local Foods for Schools is a USDA funded program intended to help schools deal with the challenges of supply chain disruptions brought on by the pandemic. The program is designed to strengthen the food system for schools by helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient local food chain, and expand local and regional markets with an emphasis on purchasing from historically underserved producers and processors. Schools must use funds received through this program to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed domestic, locally grown foods from local producers, small businesses, and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers for use in the school meals programs. In NY State the program is administered by NYS Department of Education. Cornell Cooperative Extension - Harvest NY is the technical assistance provider.
If you would like your farm or food business information shared with schools, please complete the survey linked below by Monday, November 14th. The survey asks about your business, the products you grow, raise, produce, or distribute, and what part(s) of the state your products are available, and should take about 5 minutes to complete.
Survey link: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics....
Questions about the program can be directed to Cheryl Bilinski at cbt32@cornell.edu
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Upcoming Events
Farm Fresh Marketing: A Veteran Cohort
October 2, 2024
October 9, 2024
October 16, 2024
October 23, 2024
October 30, 2024
November 6, 2024
Join Katelyn Walley - Marketing for a farm involves promoting and selling agricultural products by understanding consumer needs, creating a unique brand, setting competitive prices, and using various channels to reach customers. With successful marketing efforts, farmers can build customer loyalty, increase sales, and ensure the farm's profitability. With so many moving parts to consider, many farmers find creating their farm's marketing path can be challenging and uncertain.
Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate
October 16 - October 17, 2024
The Farm Disaster Preparation program will help farm owners plan for and manage possible disasters. This program focuses on practical pre-disaster education and preparedness regarding farm equipment safety on the road, fire or structure collapse, storm and wind damage, criminal activity, farm chemical risks, and biosecurity. Farms that complete the training will receive a certificate to provide to their insurer and may be eligible for a credit or discount toward the farm's annual insurance premium.
The Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate is directed to all sizes of farms and all types of products. Dairy and livestock farms are especially encouraged to participate in the program due to their additional concerns regarding animal agriculture.
Stockmanship and Stewardship 2024
October 25, 2024
Hamburg, NY
Save the date!! The event is one of 4 across the US and is a two-day educational experience featuring low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance educational sessions, facility design sessions, and industry updates.
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