Making Local Produce Accessible to Everyone

Kudos to New York State Government for supporting New York State growers through their Fresh Connect Farmers' Markets program. According to a Times Union article today, it will provide up to $15,000  to farmers' markets to assist local farmers in expanding their geographic sales areas and farmers' market options.  

More importantly, I think, is the introduction of the system to accept food stamps and WIC at our farmers' markets and a $2 rebate for every $5 in food stamps spent. New York State is finally making fresh, local produce accessible to everyone, which is a wonderful thing. Low income individuals in the State will get local, great tasting produce and local farmers will expand their sales.

It sounds like the best of both worlds. Now if they could just make sure that those without cars have public transportation options to get to the farmers' markets, we'd be all set.

Click on the link for the Times Union article below for more information.

http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2011/08/09/cuomo-unveils-new-farmers-market-program/

Schoharie Valley Farms

While on a recent trip to Schoharie County to try the new Howe High Adventure Zip Line and Ropes Course at Howe Caverns and hike Vroman’s Nose in Middleburgh, we stopped at Schoharie Valley Farms, Home of the Carrot Barn. Located at 5605 State Route 30 in Schoharie, 3 miles south of exit 23 off I-88, The Carrot Barn is a large indoor farmer’s market/store where you will find a huge array of their own fresh vegetables including several varieties of tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, onions and new potatoes. According to their brochure, they grow 23 different vegetables throughout the growing season. On our visit, their assortment of fruit included New York State peaches, local blueberries and a few out of state fruits. They also have local milk, eggs, cheese, beef and pork, fresh baked goods and a deli counter with seating. In addition to their food offerings, they sell their own soap, assorted lotions, canning items, gardening books and a greenhouse with a wide assortment of annuals and perennials. They will also pick you fresh herbs at your request while you shop; I purchased some fresh picked basil to go with their heirloom tomatoes.

This is a great market if you are in the Schoharie area or just passing through on I-88. The prices are good and the quality of the produce is excellent. It is a very friendly atmosphere, but not commercialized or touristy. The Carrot Barn is open year round with varying hours depending on the season, though for the bulk of the year they are open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit their website at schoharievalleyfarms.com.

Blueberry Heaven

Last weekend, we continued the family tradition of going to Winney’s Farm in Schuylerville, near Saratoga, arguably the best pick-your-own blueberry farm in the area. I have been going there for years with my parents and now with my kids. The blueberries are large, juicy and plentiful and it doesn't take long to fill your buckets and your bellies!

The pick-your-own price is again $2.25 per pound this year, a great price when you factor in the experience and the quality of the blueberries. When you arrive, stop in to grab some buckets or have your own containers weighed, then off you drive to the blueberry fields. The kids have a great time running in between the rows, then stopping for a berry or two for a break. The paths in between the rows are flat and grassy, making strollers and wagons easy to use for little ones.  When your buckets are full, drive to check out with your harvest. Either bring your own containers to carry your berries home, which I recommend, or they will put your berries into a plastic bag.

Winney’s Farm is Saratoga County’s largest blueberry farm and can be accessed from the Northway, exits 14, 15 or 16. It is located at 113 Winney Road (some sites list it as Winney Drive), off Route 32 in Schuylerville. Picking lasts until mid to late August, but you should call ahead at (518) 695-5547.  

On this day trip, we drove back to Schuylerville on Route 32 and had lunch at Olde Saratoga Bakery and Café at 214 Broad Street, a local favorite. They bake their own bread for their sandwiches and serve breakfast until 1:30 pm. The food was great and the prices were reasonable.