Watkins Glen, NY – The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Harvest Schuyler Committee was founded in 2014 with the mission to support the farm-to-table movement in Schuyler County by connecting local farmers and local restaurants, offering networking and educational opportunities, and showcasing local growers to local buyers. 2017 was busy and very productive for this committee, with many thanks to Schuyler County Farm Bureau for their sponsorship of all Harvest Schuyler activities for the year!
In January, the committee hosted a networking event – Farmer and Buyer Speed Networking – to bring local farmers and producers together to meet local restaurants, bed and breakfast owners, and chefs. The objective was to make connections between farmers who offer fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and more, and those who are looking to source these ingredients locally.
In the spring, the committee debuted a weekly email called ‘Harvest Hotline’ that includes product and price listings, plus events, inquiries, and opportunities provided by farmers and buyers. This allows farmers a place to market their products and provides buyers with an avenue for sourcing their ingredients locally – all at no cost!
After a year full of programming and planning, on November 19, the committee hosted the 4th Annual Harvest Schuyler Celebration at Nickel’s Pit BBQ. This event was designed to nourish and grow the connection between local farms and local restaurants, chefs, and lodging establishments. Nicole Rawleigh, President of Schuyler County Farm Bureau shares, “Schuyler County Farm Bureau is proud to help sponsor the Harvest Schuyler event. This event is a great place to make connections between producers and consumers while enjoying an evening of spectacular local foods.”
Featuring small bites crafted from locally-sourced ingredients by chef extraordinaire Nick Thayer and his phenomenal team, the evening included terrific farmer/restauranteur networking opportunities and over 70 attendees. The Harvest Schuyler Committee thanks the following farms and producers for their donations:
Cherry Family Farm Honey
Church Street Produce Potatoes, Green Heirloom Tomatoes, tomatoes
Farmer Ground Flour Flour and corn meal
Glen Mountain Market Squash Bread
Lively Run Dairy Cayuga Blue & chèvre
Local 62 Riesling
Mann Farms Garlic
Muddy Finger Farms Beets, carrots, daikon radishes, turnips, Pac Choi
Nickel's Pit BBQ Jalapeno peppers
Ort Family Farms Parsley, sage, and savory
Pine Meadow Angus Farm Beef - Short Ribs
Reisinger's Apple Country Apples and Apple Butter
Seneca Sunrise Coffee Coffee
Silver Queen Farm Onions and winter squash
Sunset View Creamery Cheddar Cheese
The Piggery Pork belly
Van Galder Family Farms Chicken
Westview Farms Lamb
Wide Awake Bakery Bread
Harvest Schuyler is the result of a hardworking committee, but Meredith Williams of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is a big part of its success. She shares, “It is truly inspiring to see local farmers and buyers come together over the past three years. It’s been wonderful to watch connections develop and grow through this program. As we reflect back on this year’s successes, we’re already looking ahead to 2018 – with plans for even more to come!”
To learn more about Harvest Schuyler, contact Meredith Williams by phone: 607-535-4300 or email: meredith@watkinsglenchamber.com.
