I am elated to be invited to deliver a keynote address to the New York State Farmers Market Federation annual conference. A longtime leader in developing strong local farmers markets, negotiating good and supportive relationships with state government, and putting the expansive state of New York into the imagination of consumers all over the country (whom otherwise may not see beyond the glow of New York City), the NYS Federation members are descending upon Rochester, NY for two days of peer-to-peer learning and strategizing for chaotic times.
While I've worked with (now retired) founder Diane Eggert for many years, I am very happy to collaborate with her successor, Jack Riffle. Back when I first met Diane during the early days of the Farmers Market Coalition formation, I mostly new New York markets by way of the NYC Greenmarkets. Now a resident of rural New York, I am so happy to understand the scale, pace, and potential among the farmers markets that comprise of villages, small towns, and the other cities of New York.
I look forward to delivering my address on Wednesday, 26 March 2025 at 9:15 - 10:15 am on Assessing Market Health.
Dates: 26-27 March 2025
Location: Strathallan Hotel in Rochester, NY
More info: Conference Agenda link here
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In a relationship that became formalized in the Circo Massimo Farmers Market in Rome, the Italian farmers’ union Coldiretti agreed to join forces with the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives to undertake a shared learning process to identify promising practices that work on both sides of the Atlantic to stabilize family agriculture in an age when the next generation opt to leave the farm for urban opportunities.
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Building market resilience: innovation and intentionality in a changing food system at the Strathallan Hotel in Rochester, NY
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