Overview
The New York State Grown & Certified program makes it easy for consumers to identify local, safely handled, and environmentally responsible agricultural products. This voluntary program is a cooperative effort among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to meet consumer demand for high-quality food and agricultural products. Upon acceptance to the New York State Grown & Certified program, participants will be able to display a new high-impact label that will clearly stand out, telling the consumer their food handling practices are audited and they operate their farms in an environmentally responsible manner.
Program Requirements & Application
Program Requirements
- Applicability: 100% of products are grown in New York State.
- Food Safety: Annual on-site audit by the USDA GAP/GHP or similar third-party food safety or safe food handling program such as Global GAP, Primus, etc. for at least one crop and handling process. Renewal must be submitted to the Department.
- Environmental Stewardship: Every 3 years, farms must participate in the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program, administered by county Soil & Water departments, with the completion of Tier 2 of the program (or higher). Renewals must be submitted to the Department.
- Formulation Statements: Any producer/farmer sourcing produce not raised on their farm must provide an annual formulation statement indicating outside sources. If sourcing 100% from own farm, annual attestation statements must be provided. For processing facilities, certification is product specific, not facility wide.
Application