Senator Valesky Encourages Participation in Madison County Buy Local Week

 SYRACUSE, N.Y.—State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) applauded the launch of Madison County’s second annual Buy Local Week, Aug. 17-23. The initiative spotlights local products through events, with the goal of educating the public about the wide variety of local foods available and encouraging them to “buy local” year-round.

“Buying local is more than a trend—it is one of the most direct ways to have an immediate effect on the Central New York economy,” Senator Valesky, Vice President Pro-Tempore of the State Senate, said. “By putting locally grown products on our tables, we are investing in our neighbors’ farms, stimulating the agricultural industry and reducing our impact on the environment.”

This year, Buy Local Week will feature a Local Food Showcase, where five restaurants in Madison County will feature entrees made with local ingredients. Each day will feature a different restaurant.

Senator Valesky will be a featured speaker at the FRESH Buy Local Gala on Aug. 20. The fundraiser will be held at Brick Farms in Cazenovia, and will feature local foods and microbrews.

On Open Farm Day, Aug. 22, twenty-three farms and three farmers’ markets will open their doors to visitors who can get an up-close look at how their food is grown and harvested. There will also be farm activities and demonstrations, a chance to pet farm animals, barn tours, farm-raised products for sale and food tastings.

For more information about local farm days, visit www.madisoncountyagriculture.com.

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