Farmers Markets Launched Statewide as Part of New Farm Initiative

Life is starting to look a little brighter for New York State’s family farmers. Gov.  Andrew Cuomo last week announced a program to launch new farmers markets and expand others across the state.  The new Fresh Connect Farmers’ Markets is part of Gov. Cuomo’s “Farm New York” initiative to invest in the state’s agriculture industry.

The statewide farmers’ market program comes on the heels of legislation introduced last month by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to promote Community Supported Agriculture, a promising source of revenue for state’s small-scale farmers.

Under the Fresh Connect Farmers’ Market program, the state provides up to $15,000 in funding per market and assists with marketing, promotion, nutrition education, community outreach and other services.  It also helps to recruit farmers and coordinate with local officials and business groups.

Eighteen Fresh Connect Farmers’ Markets were either launched or expanded throughout the state. Five are in New York City:

 

Manhattan:

125th Street Fresh Connect Farmers’ Market, Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street (at 7th Avenue), Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

Brooklyn:

Cypress Hills Fresh Connect Youth Market, Fulton Street between Richmond and Logan Streets, Cypress Hills
Fridays, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Hattie Carthan Fresh Connect Farmers’ Market, 49 Van Buren (at the Hattie Carthan Herban Farm), Brooklyn
Sundays, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Queens:

Pomonok Community Fresh Connect Farmers’ Market (community garden), QCH Pomonok Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Forest Hills
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Roy Wilkins Park Fresh Connect Farmers’ Market, Between 221 and 222 Merrick Blvd., St. Albans
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., opening August 20

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