Farm-to-Fork: Linking NY Farmers, Expanding NY Markets

One of my favorite initiatives that I have had the pleasure of starting as Senator is Farm-to-Fork. One of Farm-to-Fork’s primary objectives is to promote economic viability for New York State farmers and producers through the creation of distribution networks and the expansion of markets, particularly, though not limited to, New York City. At the same time, Farm-to-Fork would also directly benefit the consumer by providing better access to fresh, high-quality, locally grown New York state produce, through farmers’ markets, retailers, restaurants and schools.

To launch Farm-to-Fork, I initially led a delegation of leaders from New York City's hottest restaurants and largest wine retailers to expose them to the many celebrated food and wine products produced in the Finger Lakes region and across the State. The goal was to introduce New Yorkers to each other and to the incredible bounty of food produced right in their backyard. Working together, the wine industry and New York City restaurants and wine retailers can generate tremendous economic benefits through investment, jobs, tourism, and taxes that will benefit all of New York

Farm-to-Fork projects have since resulted in the linking up of major distributors, such as Sodexho and Baldor with New York State farmers, resulting in the sales of thousands of dollars of produce. A regional initiative is currently under way to expand the distribution network in order to encompass more farmers across the state. Farm-to-Fork is also fostering industry partnerships with dairy farmers, where farmers are encouraged to implement environmentally friendly and organic farming practices, in exchange for greater price premiums and stability.

In addition, I have always been a big supporter of the Farm-to-Cafeteria program, which encourages healthy eating in schools by providing kids with fresh fruit and vegetable options in their school cafeterias. I advocated for full funding of this program in the 2002 Farm Bill and I have continued to work to move our farmers’ produce into our school’s cafeterias. This year I am proud to introduce the School Food Fresh Act, which will establish a USDA Program to oversee the purchase and distribution of locally grown fruits and vegetables to area schools.

I am also a strong supporter of the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and the Seniors Farmers’ Market Program, which together helps lower income women, infants, children and seniors, who are often the most nutritionally at risk, have access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. I have fought to ensure more consistent funding of the Farmer Market Nutrition 'Coupon' Programs in the Farm Bill. This Program is a win-win for these families and for the local farmers who grow and sell the food. Many of the farmers who participate in farmers' markets, particularly in urban areas, are small family farmers who rely on this program as an important customer base.