On June 2, 2015, USDA will join producers and local stakeholders to discuss opportunities in the Hudson Valley’s organic market. Nationwide, organic sales reached more than $39 billion last year, and the number of certified operations grew by 5 percent to a total of 19,474 certified operations in the United States.
Many organic wholesalers and retailers report difficulties keeping up with the market demand. This creates an opportunity for local and regional producers, and USDA has numerous programs and services to help them access the organic market.
Cathy and Bradley Stroll, who grow organic vegetables and herbs in Middletown, New York, will kick off the evening by sharing their tips for success in the local market. They run Fresh Meadow Farm, which is certified to both the USDA organic and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards, and Food Gems Quiche and Desserts. Fresh Meadow Farm also participates in USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Organic Program, and has received a Value Added Producer Grant for advertising, sales staff and production assistance.
“We produce local produce for local people – and we bake the best pies and quiches you’ve ever tasted,” said Cathy Stroll.
Could organic certification open up opportunities for you in the Hudson Valley market? Come to our workshop and find out! We will share resources to grow and market high-quality organic agricultural products, including conservation incentives, crop insurance, microloans and value-added grants. Local buyers of organic foods will also talk about product needs and demands. We’ll host a “speed roundtable” segment to make sure that everyone has a chance to meet, talk, and ask questions.
The event will take place on June 2, 2015, at the Chester Agricultural Center located at 168 Meadow Avenue, Chester, New York 10918. It begins at 5:00 p.m. and we plan to wrap up around 8:00 p.m. The evening will include a lively panel discussion and meet-and-greet with USDA and local agricultural service provides, plus an extension training session. If you plan to join us, we recommend you RSVP (although this is not required). You can RVSP at http://tinyurl.com/OrganicNY-June2. We hope to see you there.
