Working to promote local agriculture and help farmers in southern Columbia and northern Dutchess counties, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) hosted a “Food Hub & Commercial Kitchen Roundtable Discussion” on Friday, June 14, at the North East Community Center. The forum was the first in a series that will focus on different types of farming in the region.

“It was a very productive roundtable. For the first time stakeholders in all aspects of agriculture – farmers, producers, distributors, government leaders and funders – met to explore ways to help this critical local industry thrive. We are fortunate to have a long and rich farming tradition in these parts of Columbia and Dutchess Counties,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “This all adds up to agriculture's great potential as an economic engine for the region and the state.”

Headlining the forum was Sarah Brannen, author of the “Hudson Valley Food Hubs Initiative,” a recent report sponsored by the New World Foundation. As part of her presentation, Brannen outlined several key areas of development, including aggregation and distribution, which must take place regionally in order for local farmers to be in the best position to grow.

Ron Hicks, Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Planning and Economic Development in Dutchess County spoke on the subject of project funding. He provided attendees with an overview of the Consolidated Funding Application process by which an individual, business or association could apply for funding to implement a possible aggregation or distribution center or any other project that would benefit the agriculture industry and community in a positive, transformative way.

Also presenting was Rudy Eschbach from Cedar Hill Farm in Amenia. Eschbach is working with local elected officials and local farmers to start a commercial kitchen at the old middle school in Amenia. The goal of the kitchen would be to help provide value added food products for local farmers. The kitchen would also double as an emergency kitchen for the town during a time of crisis.

“The feedback from the attendees of the meeting has been absolutely tremendous. Farmers are excited to continue discussing ways they can work together and implement a project to help our regional agricultural industry grow” Assemblymember Barrett said. “I look forward to expanding the discussion as my office prepares for the next set of meetings.”

In attendance at the roundtable were local dairy and livestock farmers from both Columbia and Dutchess Counties, as well as representatives from the Capital Region and Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Councils; Also part of the discussion were other elected officials including Amenia Town Supervisor Bill Flood, North East Town Supervisor John Merwin and Dutchess County Legislator Debra Blalock.