Ritchie Releases 2015 Farmers Market Guide

Effort Aimed at Connecting Consumers with Fresh Food, Boosting Farmers’ Bottom Lines 

***CLICK HERE TO VIEW SENATOR RITCHIE'S 2015 FARMERS MARKET GUIDE***

With the harvest season for many favorite locally grown fruits and vegetables just around the corner, State Senator Patty Ritchie is releasing her 2015 Farmers Market Guide, an annual publication that aims to connect consumers with fresh, healthy foods. 

“Fresh food should be on every grocery list, and there’s no better way to get flavorful, healthy fruits, vegetables and other items than by shopping locally,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chair State Senator Patty Ritchie. “This guide makes it easy for consumers to find markets close by where they can buy fresh, nutritious foods, and boost our local agriculture industry at the same time.”

Senator Ritchie’s 2015 Farmers Market Guide—which features nearly 35 markets throughout Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties—is available here and by calling (315) 782-3418.

Her 2015 Farmers Market Guide is just one way Senator Ritchie is working to help farmers connect consumers with healthy and locally grown foods, expand their markets and strengthen their bottom lines.  Recently, Senator Ritchie led the fight to secure a record level of funding for vital agriculture programs in the new state budget.

Included in the spending plan was $1 million to create farm-to-market hubs, making it easier for farmers to get their products into major markets like New York City and other major urban areas.  In addition, the budget also includes funding to expand the “Harvest NY” program, which aims to increase the availability of locally produced fruits and vegetables, as well as $2 million to help make fresh, nutritious local foods available to senior citizens, encouraging them to eat and stay healthy.