Support New York Dairy at Farmers Markets This Summer
Exploring New York State's farmers markets offers a glimpse into each region’s unique local agriculture and community spirit. From the urban Union Square Greenmarket in New York City to the charming Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, each location provides a distinct experience. Each farmers market boasts its own unique atmosphere, strong support from the farming community, and various ways for visitors to support local dairy farmers. Here are 5 farmers markets throughout New York State that we think are worth a visit this summer!
New York City: Union Square Greenmarket
The Union Square Greenmarket is a vibrant and bustling market, situated in one of New York City's iconic public parks. On any given day, the market can see upwards of 60,000 city dwellers exploring their 140 stalls looking for fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. The market, open year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, offers a lively atmosphere where shoppers can interact with farmers, sample products, and enjoy cooking demonstrations by top local chefs.
Supported by a dedicated community of farmers, fishers, and bakers, the market emphasizes local and sustainable agriculture. Vendors offer a wide range of products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to heritage meats and award-winning cheeses. Notably, dairy farmers like Ronnybrook Farm Dairy from Columbia County, NY, and Valley Shepherd Creamery from Morris County, NJ, supply high-quality, locally-sourced dairy products. Ronnybrook specializes in milk, yogurt, butter, and ice cream, while Valley Shepherd offers goat and cow's milk cheeses and sheep's milk yogurt.
The market also hosts educational programs to promote seasonality and sustainable farming practices. These programs include cooking demonstrations that highlight dairy products, providing insights into the benefits of local dairy, and offering tips on incorporating these products into daily diets.
Hudson Valley: Kingston Farmers Market
The Kingston Farmers Market, established nearly 25 years ago, is a community-oriented market that operates every Saturday from May to November in the County Courthouse parking lot in Uptown Kingston. During winter, the market moves indoors to the Old Dutch Church, maintaining its lively spirit year-round. Visitors can enjoy live music, local artist showcases, and community activities, making it a popular spot for families and locals to gather.
During its outdoor season, the market is composed of over 50 local farms and food vendors, and during the winter months, around 30 vendors of those vendors remain active. Vendors from the mid-Hudson Valley offer organic fruits, vegetables, grass-fed meats, free-range poultry, fresh seafood, and a variety of dairy products. The market's mission emphasizes the importance of supporting regional family farms, fostering sustainable farming practices, and maintaining the agricultural heritage of the area.
Visitors can support local dairy farmers by purchasing a wide array of dairy products including fresh milk, goat's milk, artisanal cheeses, and yogurt, all sourced from quality-focused local farms. The market encourages direct interaction between consumers and dairy farmers, providing insights into farming practices. Additionally, the market hosts educational programs, cooking demonstrations, and tastings to raise awareness about the benefits of local dairy.
Finger Lakes: Ithaca Farmers Market
The Ithaca Farmers Market, located on the scenic Cayuga Lake waterfront, operates from April to December on Saturdays and Sundays at the Pavilion, with additional community markets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. During the winter, January to March, the market moves indoors to the Triphammer Marketplace. This market is more than a shopping destination; it's a community hub where visitors gather to enjoy live music and delicious foods while picnicking by the water.
With over 150 vendors coming from within a 30-mile radius of Ithaca, the market features local farmers, food producers, and artisans. These vendors undergo a rigorous application and jurying process to ensure high-quality offerings. Committed to local agricultural support and regional economic sustainability, the market provides a wide range of products, including fresh produce, free-range eggs, meats, cheeses, and specialty foods.
A variety of dairy products such as fresh milk, artisanal cheeses, and yogurts, all produced with sustainable farming practices, are available for purchase. Visitors have the opportunity to speak with dairy farmers to learn about their practices. The market also hosts events like cooking demonstrations and tastings that highlight the importance of local dairy, and creative ways to incorporate these products into daily meals.
Western New York: Buffalo's Clinton Bailey Market
Buffalo's Clinton Bailey Market, established in 1931, welcomes visitors year-round. Operating seven days a week from May to November and on Saturdays during the winter months, the market is located in Buffalo's industrial food district and has become a staple in the community. Known for its early morning activity, farmers set up their stalls in the pre-dawn hours. Visitors can expect a wide array of fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and more, all sold directly by the growers and producers.
A diverse group of local farmers from Western New York, including multi-generational family farms from various surrounding counties, contribute to the Clinton Bailey Market. These vendors bring fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other agricultural products, ensuring high-quality offerings. The market has fostered a strong connection between farmers and the community, playing a significant role in shaping the local food supply for decades.
At Clinton Bailey Market, visitors can support local dairy farmers by purchasing sustainably-produced milk, cheese, and yogurt. Visitors can engage directly with farmers to learn about their methods and the care involved. The market also hosts events that showcase the benefits of consuming local dairy, educating the public on supporting local farms, and contributing to the regional economy.
Capital Region: Troy Waterfront Farmers Market
The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, year-round, offers a unique riverside charm. During the summer, the market takes place outdoors on River Street, creating a vibrant street market ambiance. In the winter, it moves indoors to the Uncle Sam Atrium. Featuring over 100 vendors, the market offers fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, and crafts. Live music, food trucks, and community activities add to the festive environment, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
The market features contributions from farmers and producers located within a 50-mile radius of Troy. These small-scale artisanal producers are committed to sustainable and local agriculture. The vendor-run cooperative structure ensures that all products are made or grown by the vendors themselves, fostering a direct connection between producers and consumers. This strong community of farmers provides high-quality products and plays a crucial role in the local food economy.
At the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, visitors can enjoy fresh milk, artisanal cheeses, and yogurt, often sourced from the vendors' own herds or small regional farms. Visitors can support local dairy farmers by building connections and frequenting their favorite vendors.The market also hosts educational programs, cooking demonstrations, tastings, and sessions on sustainable farming practices, emphasizing the advantages of consuming locally-produced dairy products.
Conclusion
The farmers markets of New York State are more than just places to buy fresh produce, they are integral parts of their communities, promoting sustainability and local agriculture. By visiting markets like Kingston and Clinton Bailey, you not only enjoy high-quality products but also contribute to the livelihood of local farmers. Take the time to explore your local farmers markets this summer and discover the best of what New York has to offer.