Rensselaer County

Hudson Mohawk RC&D Farm to School Program

Contact:
Elizabeth Marks, Hudson Mohawk RC&D Coordinator
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Elizabeth.marks@ny.usda.gov
(518) 828-4385 x105 

Project Objectives:
The Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc. (HMRC&D) has been working on a Farm to School program over the past several years and has learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to direct farm to school sales. This project uses what has worked with the Councils pilot program with Greenville Central School in Greene County and applies it to a wider geographic area. The HMRC&D has found that the most successful farm to school programs involve fruit orchards since they often have more experience with direct marketing, can deliver, have storage crops available during the school year, have extra product to market, and can sell to schools more profitable value added items such as cider and fresh made doughnuts. Several orchards have approached the HMRC&D seeking assistance with marketing directly to schools and the Council has formed a working committee to assist them. Schools have identified a need to make meals more nutritious and are looking for local, fresh fruits and vegetables that are affordable and easy to prepare.

This project involves three main components. The first is the creation of a marketing/purchasing guide and directory for farms and schools, the second is a series of educational and networking events to provide information and connection opportunities for farmers and schools, and the third is a mini-grant program of marketing funds for farmers to promote their farm and local agriculture in the school. Expected outcomes are increased sales for farmers of surplus products.

Project Partners:
The HMRC&D has a project committee made up of council members, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer counties, the Rensselaer Economic Development office, Roots and Wisdom, Indian Ladder Farm, Niskayuna schools, and other farmers and food service directors.