The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (March 11, 2012) – A day of networking and education about the most current topics in direct marketing for farmers will be held on Sunday, March 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the CVI Building in Liberty, NY. Registration before March 15 is only $25.00. Registration after March 15 is $35.00.

The event is sponsored by Pure Catskills, an initiative of the Watershed Agricultural Council.

Attendees will have a chance to gather with local food advocates from across the region including farmers, retailers, restaurateurs, specialty food producers, distributors, farmers’ market staff and economic development practitioners.

Dozens of past attendees have mentioned the lasting business connections they have made as a result of attending. Buyers of all scales will be present from local retailers to regional distributors. Educational topics will suit the interest of vegetable, livestock and dairy producers.

Register online 

Featured speakers and workshop leaders will share perspectives from both the metropolitan and upstate marketplaces.

Confirmed speakers include:
Rob Dougherty, Sullivan County Farms
Sara Grady, Glynwood Center & Hudson Valley Cider Route
Joel Elder, Tuthilltown Spirits
Erin Fairbanks, No Goat Left Behind & Heritage Radio Network
Lissa Harris and Julia Reischel, Watershed Post
Nicole Day, the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship
Larry Althiser, Larry’s Custom Meats
Dennis Derryck, Corbin Hill Farm

New elements of this year’s event include a Food Hub Listening Session and curbside consulting. 

During the curbside consulting session, guidance on business and marketing topics will be offered through one-on-one sessions on a dozen topics with regional specialists.

Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is starting

a project to research and develop food distribution infrastructure, such as food hubs, to help farmers bring their products to market.  Input from farmers, wholesale and retail businesses and others along the food value chain will be critical.  During the Food Hub listening session, participants will share their challenges in food distribution, infrastructure resources and needs in the region, and opportunities for collaboration or other improvements.

Early Bird Cookery will prepare a local luncheon.

A video from last year’s event is at right.

Prefer to pay by check?  Please send a check for $25 per registrant, made out to "WAC" and mailed to 44 West Street, Walton, NY 13856.

The Pure Catskills Buy Local campaign is a regional, economic initiative of the Watershed
Agricultural Council. The Watershed Agricultural Council is funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal, foundation and private sources. The WAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.