Contact: Doug Finch, (315) 781-2030
One of the best things about the Finger Lakes region, in addition to beautiful scenery, farmland and lakes, is the hard-working families who live here. For generations they have worked to provide valuable goods, foods, services and more. They have become an integral part of our community and our economy. For the healthiest and freshest products, we should make an effort to buy the local goods offered in our region.
Whether it is dairy, wine or widgets, the Finger Lakes region offers quality products right in your own backyard. Not only is the region becoming nationally recognized for its yogurt production, but its wine and cheese trails are some of the finest in the nation. The thriving wine and viticulture industry is attracting new buyers every day. You can visit the award-winning Finger Lakes Wine Trails around Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca Lakes, as well as the Finger Lakes Cheese Trails showcasing artisan cheese makers for an exciting and delicious day. The New York Wine & Culinary Center in Canandaigua showcases food and beverages from around the state, and is another great destination for sampling the best of New York. Check out their Web site for information about the Center, including information about its September 28th awards ceremony.
THE 'LOCAVORE' MOVEMENT AND BENEFITS TO BUSINESS
In the Daily Messenger article, "Locavore movement: Living local in the Finger Lakes" there are some great examples of how buying local products can have a positive day-to-day impact on the community, farmers, local businesses and shoppers. The locavore movement is now more than a trend, it's a viable and sustainable way to shop and do business. People are better informed about where their food is coming from, they are supporting the local economy and they are getting quality products.
Take, for example, New York's growing hops industry. Lots of people are making their own beer, and many small- and medium-sized establishments are making their own brews, generating a whole new dynamic in the state's agriculture markets. By making an effort to buy products produced in the area, we offer extra support for our community. Why look elsewhere for what we already have - affordable quality products?
For those looking to be a part of the thriving Finger Lakes wine industry there are new educational opportunities at the Finger Lakes Viticulture Center in Geneva; complete with a wine-making lab, storage space and classrooms. It will be an ideal setting for teaching the next generation of small business owners how to perfect their craft, and with it the region is poised to become a national leader in wine production.
HOW CAN I BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT?
In Geneva, a We Love Local Restaurant Week will promote local farms and wineries, as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the great products offered in the region. The Restaurant Week runs from Sunday, September 15th to Thursday, September 19th and leads into the Finger Lakes Cork & Fork Event. The award winning event takes place September 20th and 21st and will again showcase great Finger Lakes wine, produce and culinary excellence. Both of these events are great opportunities to get out and try some of the products available in the area. If you aren't on the local food and wine bandwagon yet, this could be a great time to start!
Also, the NY Farmers Market Web site offers a guide to locating nearby farmers' markets. Visit the Market Locater section to find one in your area. If you are a market manager and are not listed on the website, the Farmers' Market Federation of New York encourages you to add your market to the database.
I hope you'll join me in discovering and enjoying the high-quality, award-winning food from the Finger Lakes region. There are so many benefits of buying local products for the community to enjoy, and I look forward to enjoying them together.
What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.