Extensive research shows that a New York State Grown & Certified label builds on the existing positive perception that residents have of NYS produce, with people saying they would buy more (74%), pay more (49%), and favor food bearing this label over food that did not (96%).
New York State will fund a comprehensive marketing campaign around New York State Grown & Certified aimed at restaurants, institutional buyers, and retail consumers.
Participants in New York State Grown & Certified will have access to the label, which will promote awareness and highlight producers meeting the program’s standards. Participants will also be featured on the New York State Grown & Certified web page, while promotional materials are designed to encourage program participation among producers, and to educate retail, wholesale, restaurant, and institutional buyers.
Becoming one of New York State Grown & Certified’s qualifying producers will increase sales due to the resulting demand, while costing your business nothing to participate.
$1.5 million is available through the Environmental Protection Fund to help farms implement an Agricultural Environmental Management plan, and a reimbursement of up to $1,000 is available for growers who participate in a third party audit of safe food handling practices. This funding will help more farms join the certification program.