(Southern Tier, NY)- Today, Senator Lea Webb (SD52) announced that Broome and Cortland counties will receive state funding through the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program, which helps strengthen their markets and make local products more accessible to consumers by building out physical and digital infrastructure.

Said Seven Valleys Health Coalition Program Coordinator, Kate Downes, “Seven Valleys Health Coalition is extremely fortunate to receive an award through the Farmers' Market Resiliency Program. This funding is going to allow the Homer Regional Farmers’ Market to invest in building out more structure and systems to support the burgeoning seasonal market, with the ultimate goal to operate year-round. This initial funding kickstarts the Village of Homer Downtown Revitalization Initiative work that SVHC has been awarded to build an indoor market space, kitchen, and community classroom in collaboration with the Cortland Collective Impact Initiatives and Center for the Arts Homer. This investment in our market will help farmers and producers' level-up their stalls while connecting directly with their customers, ultimately building a stronger, more viable local food system here in Cortland County.”  

“We are grateful for this investment in Broome County’s farmers' markets,” said Beth Roberts, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County. “These funds will help us engage more residents through stronger outreach efforts and provide farmers with resources to improve how their products reach the community. It’s an important step in making our markets more resilient and ensuring that fresh, local food remains accessible for everyone in Broome County.”

Said Senator Lea Webb, “Supporting our local farmers and food systems is critical to building healthy, resilient communities. Farmers’ markets not only connect residents to fresh, local produce. They also strengthen our regional economy and expand access to nutritious food. I’m proud to champion funding that helps markets in Broome and Cortland counties grow their infrastructure, reach more customers, and continue serving as vital hubs for our neighborhoods.”

Senate District 52 received the following funding through the Farmers’ Market Resiliency Grant Program

• $46,100 for Seven Valleys Health Coalition in Cortland County to create a part-time marketing manager role to assist with oversight & development, purchasing food safety equipment, and developing systems to capture market vendor and customer data, increase marketing & outreach, and vendor subaward program.
• $49,998.26 for Broome County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension to improve consumer education via increased digital content, including a bi-monthly newsletter & branding campaign, as well as a mini-grant program for farmers and food producers to address food safety and packaging concerns.

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