News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, July 25, 2014
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Visit The Farmers' Market: Buy Local, Buy The Best
Legislative column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

If you are looking for the freshest ingredients and homemade goods, your local farmers' market is where you'll find some of the area's best kept secrets. As the name implies, farmers' markets are where local farmers showcase their produce, conduct business, educate consumers and get to know their community.

There has been an explosion of farmers' markets in the U.S., and their popularity has given a variety of vendors the opportunity to participate. Today, most farmers' markets offer a cornucopia of locally-grown foods and goods, including vendors who produce a wide variety of quality vegetables, fruits, flowers, meat and eggs, as well as small-scale food processors who offer a variety of freshly-baked goods such as breads, desserts, sauces, jams and more. However, it's not just about the food anymore; the popularity of farmers' markets has allowed small businesses to participate in these indoor/outdoor events. You can expect to find an array of homemade and handmade goods, including crafts, soaps, jewelry and bags, to name a few.

As most of you know, the Finger Lakes Region is celebrated for its excellent selection of wine and cheese. These local products have drawn major attention to our region, and have boosted tourism and business. Luckily for us, these goods can also be found at our local farmers' markets, but if you miss them, most wineries are only a short distance away.

FARMERS' MARKETS CLOSE TO HOME

Families around the Finger Lakes Region are fortunate to have two popular local farmers' markets in our area:

  • The Canandaigua Farmers' Market, which is located behind the Byrne Dairy on Main Street. The outdoor market is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information about the Canandaigua Farmers' Market, please visit its website at http://www.canandaiguafarmersmarket.com/.

  • Geneva's Farmers' Market, which is known for its wide variety of vendors. The market is open Thursday mornings and is located at the Exchange Street Parking lot across from Lyons Bank. For information, please visit its website at http://visitgenevany.com/current-residents/genevas-farmers-market.

BUYING LOCALLY-PRODUCED GOODS

Farmers' markets are a great resource for people who care about their communities. They not only give people access to local products, they also allow the community to connect and support one another. Supporting local farmers and businesses helps preserve jobs and keeps our region's economy strong.

The interactions at farmers' markets allow sellers and buyers to create a personal relationship, building stronger communities. Grab the family and enjoy your local farmers' market to discover some of your town's best kept secrets and help support local businesses.

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.