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[Michael Burns <michael AT fingerlakespermaculture.org>]

CONTACT:
Michael Moran
518-457-3136

COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES GRANT TO PROMOTE LOCAL FOODS
Federal matching grant promotes local foods through beds and breakfasts

            A federal matching grant will boost local food producers  
and tourism by encouraging bed and breakfast operators to feature  
locally produced food and agricultural products. New York State  
Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine announced the $73,824  
grant awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)  
Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). New York is one  
of 19 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to receive 25 grants.
            The Department will receive the grant in cooperation with  
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, which will lead the  
two-year project, NOFA-NY, the Empire State B&B Association, Central  
New York Bounty, the New York Small Scale Food Processors Association  
and the University of Illinois Extension.
            “This continues our efforts to boost locally produced  
food products in New York and to encourage agri-tourism,” said  
Commissioner Aubertine. “This is another market channel for our local  
producers that will help them build their business.”
            "FSMIP provides our state partners with matching funds to  
explore new and innovative approaches to marketing U.S. food and  
agricultural products," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen  
Merrigan. "USDA supports state and local projects ranging from  
research to retail to ensure that quality American products are  
marketed efficiently and effectively."
            Steve Miller of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison  
County said, “This is a great opportunity for New York producers to  
have visitors from outside the State, as well as New Yorkers, to be  
able to taste the high quality foods we have to offer and to be able  
to bring some of these back home with them.  The project stands to  
benefit both the tourism and agriculture industries.”
            The program will encourage B&B operators to feature  
locally produced food and agricultural products in meals served to  
their guests, carry shelf stable local products such as jams, maple  
syrup and sauces, and to measure the economic impact on producers of  
sales made through this specialized marketing channel.
            All producer organizations and B&B owners are encouraged  
to participate in the project which will begin this Fall. For more  
information on how to participate: contact Steve Miller atsgm6 AT cornell.edu 
  315 684-3001 x127 or Jonathan Thomson at jonathan.thomson AT agmkt.state.ny.us 
.

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Michael Moran
Press Officer
NYS Department of Ag & Markets
518-457-3136
michael.moran AT agmkt.state.ny.us