The Taste of NY Farmers Market gives people in the Cultivating Dreams agriculture program an opportunity to once again offer their bountiful harvest to the public. The Market, organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension, takes place at Taste of New York, located off the Taconic Parkway in LaGrange. Every Friday, from May 27th to mid-October, shoppers can enjoy browsing the market between 1:00 and 5:00 pm.
The Taste of NY Farmers Market & Agricultural Skills Program
The Farmers Market is a highlight of the year-long agricultural skills program at Cultivating Dreams. Preparation for the Farmers Market begins in the greenhouses in February as participants learn to prepare soil and plant seeds. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, they learn to grow and harvest the produce, which is then sold at the Farmers Market.
The Farmers Market provides valuable work experience for program participants. They do all the work, from set up and display design, to speaking with customers about the produce and processing transactions. They enjoy sharing their knowledge about the fruits and vegetables.
Andrew K. has been learning agricultural skills at Cultivating Dreams for six years and is proud of his job at the Farmers Market. “I do run the Farmers Market,” he says.
“The Farmers Market augments everything they learn in the greenhouses because they have the opportunity to see the end result of their effort - that customers truly appreciate the hard work that goes into creating a vibrant harvest,” says Cultivating Dreams Manager Cameron Bock.
A Seed-to-Harvest Experience
The Farmers Market is only one of the ways the produce is integrated into the community. Produce that isn’t sold at the Farmers Market is either donated to a local nonprofit that distributes it to food-insecure individuals and families or is used for artistic and personal growth. For instance, sensory art classes at the farm use the farm’s lavender and lemon balm to make scented soaps. In addition, produce is also used by the life skills class to cook nutritious meals, or it’s brought home by the farmers to share with their families. It’s truly a seed-to-harvest experience.
Grace your table with freshly picked lettuces, beans, corn, eggplant, tomatoes, okra, herbs, pumpkin, watermelon, and cantaloupe. Or beautify your space with an array of flowers, also grown at the farm, such as zinnia, marigolds, morning glories, nasturtium, asters, pansies, and sunflowers. The dedicated Cultivating Dream farmers look forward to helping you select the best produce for your favorite seasonal recipes.