Pure Catskills Product Development and Marketing Grant due May 20

Each year, the Watershed Agricultural Council funnels $50,000 through the Pure Catskills Sustainable Agriculture & Education Grant Program to help stimulate the local economy in agriculture. The grant helps applicants host food-based events, purchase new farm equipment, and explore value-added infrastructure, recipes and marketing -- all in the name of connecting more people with local food. Read how Gideon Frisbee put his grant to work to filter his maple syrup into a finer, clearer and more marketable product. PHOTO: The sap house at the Frisbee Farm. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Pickens. Members of the Pure Catskills buy local campaign can apply for the 2011 round of product development and marketing grants now through May 20. Applications will be accepted in two categories: Product Development & Marketing, and Education. For full details, view the application materials. Questions regarding the application process will be accepted via email to Farm to Market Manager Challey Comer until May 10th. All questions and answers will then be posted online. No phone calls please; all packets must be mailed in and postdated by May 20. In 2010, 15 grant recipients implemented diverse projects including livestock processing, farm-to-school initiatives and agritourism events. Pure Catskills members include farms, retailers, farmer’s markets, restaurants and food-related organizations that support the local food system throughout Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. The Pure Catskills buy local campagn is one of the Council's most highly visible and recognizable programs to date; just look for the Cauliflower Lady...