NY Farmer contest underway

NY Farmer contest underway

In recognition of contributions New York's farmers make to New York's communities, NY Farms! is accepting nominations for its fourth annual "I LOVE MY NY FARMER" Awards. New York's farmers, through their land-based livelihoods, enhance the lives of all New Yorkers in multiple ways, by providing farm fresh food; increasing food safety and security by decreasing dependency on food from far away; creating jobs and economic development; maintaining aesthetically pleasing rural landscapes, wildlife habitat and biological diversity; and being good neighbors, committed to community well-being.

With the "I LOVE MY NY FARMER" Awards, NY Farms! encourages consumers to talk with farmers and to develop a more personal relationship with those who grow our food. NY Farms! invites you to share with all New Yorkers the reasons you love a NY farmer, to underscore the importance of supporting New York's farmers through purchasing locally-grown products and helping to preserve farmland in our state.

Entries will be judged based on the farmer's: living and selling within New York state; producing a quality product; being a good steward of the land; being a good neighbor, serving the community and "going the extra mile."

Farmer awards will be given in the following categories: dairy, other livestock, field crops, fruits and vegetables, wine and grapes, NY specialties (e.g. honey, maple syrup), floriculture and tree farms, young farmer (under age 18) and urban farmer.

Entries must be received by December 15. To submit an entry, describe in 250 words or less, the reasons you love a NY farmer. Submit this description with name, address, phone number and email - plus - the name, address, phone number and email of the farmer you are describing, to NY Farms!, P.O. Box 210, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, by phone at 607-535-9790, by fax at 607-535-9794 or by e-mail at nyfarms@nyfarms.info.

Award winners will be announced January 10 at the Ag. Society Annual Forum and winning entries will be posted on the NY Farms! website. Farmers featured in the winning entries will receive an all-weather sign highlighting their achievement that can be displayed at farms, farm stands or markets. Submitters of winning entries will receive a gift in appreciation.

For information visit www.nyfarms.info.