Here in Onondaga County, agriculture is a vital part of our community and a cornerstone of our economy. I’ve been working hard to support our state’s dedicated farmers and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive, but there’s more that can be done. By shopping at our local farmers markets this season, you can do your part to strengthen our economy and bring home fresh, healthy products for you and your family. Farmers markets increase visibility and demand for our local produce and are vital to ensuring the success of our region’s agriculture. That’s why this year’s budget includes $1 million to fund a new food hub program that will help connect upstate New York’s farmers with businesses statewide. The Madison County-Cornell Cooperative Extension is currently developing a hub in nearby Canastota to allow farmers from Onondaga County and other local areas to increase their scale of production while alleviating some of the burdensome costs of transportation, marketing and storage. This year’s budget also includes nearly $2 million to improve the viability of our farms, as well as an additional $1 million to help ensure farmers just starting out can remain competitive in today’s market. Currently, I’m sponsoring the Buy from the Backyard Act which will help to increase the percentage of local foods bought by state agencies (A.3302). I’m also sponsoring a bill that would ensure farmers who donate a portion of their products to not-for-profit pantries and food banks are given a tax credit for their efforts each year (A.1812). Taste New York is another beneficial program that gives local farmers the opportunity to showcase their products statewide. This year, the New York State Fair will host the first-ever Taste New York food truck competition. Twenty chefs from across the state will use locally grown products to make a variety of foods to be sampled by fairgoers. Be sure to keep an eye out for this year’s fair schedule for more information. Our farmers markets provide visitors with fresh, locally produced food and allow us to develop a stronger sense of community to make our home a more sustainable and healthier place. To shop for your family and support our local economy, consider checking out one of the following markets this season:

• Fayetteville Farmers Market
  Towne Center
  Thursdays, 12-6 p.m.
  June 4-Oct. 15
• Cicero Farmers Market
  NOPL at Cicero Library
  8686 Knowledge Lane
  Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m.
  May 26-Sept. 8
• Central New York Regional Market
  2100 Park St., Syracuse
  Thursdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., May-Nov.
  Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. year-round