FEATURE
Find your farmer in WNY Local farmers unite with consumers through Facebook BY ASHLEY ZIOMEK
B
ecause farms are spread out across the region—and there seemingly aren’t too many in the city and denser suburbs—it might be surprising to learn that there are more than 100 farms in Western New York. And in 2020, they decided it was time to join forces and invite consumers to “Find Your Farmer in Western New York.” That’s the name of the Facebook page they created and that is open to anyone interested in learning about local crops. The group is easy to find in the Facebook search bar; once you locate it, click the “Join” button and you’ll be part of a 9,000-plus-member community offering information and tips. or Sam’s Club, but rather quarters many local farms. Opening the With grocery prices skyrocketing, points make a lot more sense. link redirects to a pinpointed map The roadside farm markets you see to halves of livestock; for example, there’s no better time to check showing locations of all participants. instead of one pack of bacon, you out local farm products. Many as you drive along country roads don’t Click on a pointer to get the name, always reflect what’s available for can purchase half of a pig. In their growers offer crop sharing through location, and information for the friendly and helpful nature, farmers purchase. Find Your Farmer in WNY community-supported agriculture will redirect you if your needs don’t farm you’ve chosen. offers a space for farmers to promote (CSA) programs that allow Some farms may be at farmers products directly to consumers. The match their product. consumers to buy harvest directly Beyond livestock, the group’s markets, have a store location, and/ page also provides a platform to share from a farm or group of farms. Some places allow consumers to team up information about local vendors, farmers also offer vegetables, fruits, or sell out of their home, but a few tastings, meal ideas, farmers markets, specialty jams, soaps, flowers, eggs, will assist with a direct delivery to and split the harvest and/or will work your home, as well. Whether you’re and so much more. Many crafty items U-pick locations, and even farmer-towith individual families. are often for sale at markets, and this in the heart of the city or the outskirts This is crucial knowledge, as farmer tips ranging from livestock to page shares who will be where, and of a suburb, if you’re interested in consumers often believe that buying machinery expertise. what your local farmers have to offer, when. Consumers in the group ask from local merchants is difficult join Find Your Farmer. You may be When discussing farmers, without a storefront or that small questions about anything from the surprised to see what’s in your own consumers often envision a great benefits of certain farming processes businesses are more expensive. By giving themselves a voice, farmers to where to purchase a pack of bacon expanse in the middle of nowhere, backyard. FY with cows in pastures grazing for can better inform consumers about or fresh vegetables. Consumers the treatment of livestock or crops, should always be clear about what miles. That’s not always the reality. Ashley Ziomek is a freelance writer from unwashed eggs to unsprayed they’re looking for before purchasing. Fortunately and conveniently, in living in WNY. fruits and vegetables. Understanding Some local farms only sell bulk, but their “featured” tab, Find Your what’s behind the scenes helps price it’s not the bulk you’ll find at BJs Farmer administrators have flagged 12
www.foreveryoungwny.com | August 2022
