FARM TO TABLE TOUR, HARVEST CONNECTION HELPING MONTGOMERY COUNTY FARMERS UNITE WITH CONSUMERS

Events, Online Resources Part of Larger Effort to Expand the Market for Local Farms

(GLEN, NY) – With summer in full swing, farms across Montgomery County are stocked with fresh vegetables, grass-fed beef and chicken, cool milk and delicious fresh fruits – all of which will be on display this weekend during the “Farm to Table Tour.”

To help promote the county’s agriculture-based businesses, Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort joined local farmers and staff from the Montgomery County Soil and Water District for a news conference encouraging people across the Capital District and Central New York to visit the county’s many farms and produce stands during this special event, or any time using the Harvest Connection program.

“Montgomery County’s farms have something for everyone,” said Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort. “Farming and agriculture have been a staple of our county’s economic success for generations, and it remains a pillar of our community. While farming trends have shifted in recent years our family-run farms continue to be among the best in the state.”

“Whether it is finding great produce, unique products, or one-of-a-kind experiences, Montgomery County has amazing farms that offer a variety of goods and services. Everyone is encouraged to come out to the Farm to Table Tour, but if you can’t make this weekend’s tour you can always find local products through our online platform, Harvest Connection.”

“The reason the Farm to Table Tour was developed, was to try and bridge the gap between consumers and farmers,” said Rebecca Ferry, AED Coordinator for Montgomery County Soil and Water District. A lot of the farm stores are self-serve, so you don’t necessarily get to see the farmers, but it’s very important because farmers want to be able to educate the consumers on what they’re doing and have that interaction. This is a special day to be able to go there, tour the farms, meet the farmers and talk about the community.”

“The tour really gave us the chance to meet our neighbors, some of the other members of the local community and to really have a great connection and show them what we do every day  and why it’s so important,” said Amy Hoefele of Appleridge Farm in Fonda.

“Agriculture has a really bright future in Montgomery County and the Farm to Table Tour is a great step to generate more local agritourism and I’m also super impressed by what all of these local farms have been able to do,” said Hoefele.

Farm to Table Tour: A “Self-guided” Tour of Farms

Offered as a “self-guided” tour of farms across Montgomery and Fulton counties, the “Farm to Table Tour” provides visitors with the opportunity to spend time on working vegetable, beef and dairy farms, as well as some of the counties’ picturesque orchards and vineyards. On Sunday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  visitors of all ages can explore participating farms that will open their doors for the day in an effort to educate and connect consumers to local goods and services. Maps are available online at farmtotable.org or in-person at participating locations. More information on the tour can be found at FarmToTableTour.org.

Consumers looking to enjoy the fruits of Montgomery County’s farming community can also see products available any time through HarvestConnection-NY.com. Launched in partnership with the Rensselaer County Economic Development & Planning, Harvest Connection provides a comprehensive database of crops and other agricultural products that are available from farms across Montgomery County and the greater Capital District. The website even offers consumers the ability to filter their results based on the types of good desired.

Details, photo and video provided by Visit Montgomery County.