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: Lambs/kids must be born in New York State: Ewes/does must be in New York State for one year and breeding for lambs/kids must occur in New York state
- Food Safety: Producer must participate in the New York State Sheep/Goat Health Assurance Program (NYSSGHAP); Animals must be slaughtered processed in a USDA Inspected Slaughter/Processing Plant
- Environmental Stewardship: Every three years, farms are required to participate/renew in the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program, administered by their county Soil and Water Conservation district, with the completion of Tier 2 of the program (or higher). An alternative option is to have an active CAFO permit. Renewals must be submitted to the Department.
- Formulation Statements: Any producer/farmer selling sheep or goat marketed as NYS Grown & Certified must provide an annual formulation statement or signed attestation. Certification is product specific, not facility wide.
Application