By Blake Jackson
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball joined Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont to mark the 10th anniversary of the NYS Grown & Certified Program and the farm’s Cidery and Brewery, which also reached its 10-year milestone.
Launched a decade ago, NYS Grown & Certified was created to help consumers and buyers identify New York agricultural products produced with an emphasis on food safety and environmental stewardship. Since its establishment, the program has supported more than 3,000 farms, producers and agricultural businesses and provided more than $34 million to participating producers and retailers.
“When we launched the NYS Grown & Certified Program, we wanted to strengthen the link between producers and consumers and provide new opportunities for agricultural development in New York State. A decade later, I’m proud to say this program has done just that – and continues to grow its reach. With thousands of farms participating, millions of dollars dedicated, and countless consumers touched, NYS Grown & Certified is spreading the word that the food you love is grown right, right here in New York State," Commissioner Ball said.
"Today, we’re proud to join our longstanding partners and program participants Indian Ladder Farms to celebrate ten years of the NYS Grown & Certified Program and 10 years of their Cidery and Brewery, whose products showcase the very best of this program,” Ball added.
At the anniversary gathering, Ball joined Indian Ladder Farms owner Laura Ten Eyck and head brewer Dietrich Gehring in recognizing their decade-long partnership. The farm sampled its signature NYS Grown & Certified cider, which has displayed the program’s seal since 2019.
The cider combines dessert and bittersharp apples grown at Indian Ladder Farms and is characterized by a crisp apple aroma and tart flavor.
Other participating NYS Grown & Certified businesses at the event included Argyle Cheese Farmer, Beth's Farm Kitchen, Black Squirrel Farms, Ghost Light Farm, members of the Long Island Oyster Growers Association, Reeves Farms, Sugar Oak Farms and Sun Mountain Apiary.
The program provides participating businesses with marketing support, use of the NYS Grown & Certified seal and opportunities to connect with consumers and new markets. It has also helped producers participate in initiatives including the NYS 30% Initiative and Nourish New York.
“We’re honored to host Commissioner Ball and his team as we celebrate ten years of our Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery as well as the State’s NYS Grown & Certified Program," Indian Ladder Farms Owner Laura Ten Eyck said.
"Indian Ladder Farms has been in my family for generations, so it feels right to celebrate these milestones here – on a farm that carries a legacy of stewarding the land and harvesting the best of New York State for over a century. I congratulate the State on their work to promote New York’s farmers and producers, and look forward to celebrating many more milestones together in years to come,” Eyck added.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: New York, Business, General