It is that time of year…when we stop and take a moment to look back and review what we have done. This past year has been full of quite a list of accomplishments for the NNY Regional Local Foods Initiative. As coordinator for this project I have been able to take part in a number of programs that touched some 500 farmers, business people and residents in NNY. As well I was able to visit one-on-one with 41 different rural entrepreneurs. Programs covered such topics as the USDA Certified Grass-fed Market Claim regulations during NNY Beef Week, Making your Market Sales Sizzle during the Pre-Season Farmers Market Trainings held across the region or the Environment of Local talk to a consumer group. To read more highlights of the programs, contacts and impact of the NNY Regional Local Foods project for the past year check out the NNYRLFI Annual Report Bulletin. I hope you find it an interesting read, and I am already looking forward to the coming year of programs, outreach and connections I know I will be making.
As we settle in to the winter season, which brings with it the snow and cold, and as folks gather round kitchen tables everywhere to enjoy good food, conversation and make some great memories, I would like more people to think and act local.
This Holiday Season I encourage each and everyone of you to try and spend your food dollars closer to home. Each dollar spent in your local economy circulate 8 to 15 times in the local community. Think of the money that you are spending this Holiday Season and the possible potential economic impact you could make with your holiday purchases. For more information about the impact of buying local visit Business Alliance for Living Economies (BALLE) website.
As well our friends at GardenShare encourage you to invite 8 Hands to Your Table. This too is wonderful information for the Holiday Season.
Wishing you and yours all the best for this Holiday Season.
Until Next year
Take care
Bernadette
