Friends of the High Line see this as a big opportunity for future growth of the park. If the plan goes through, Jamestown Properties which is behind the expansion proposal, will have to make a one-time $17 million contribution to the High Line.
A majority of the local residents feel that the plan doesn’t fit the market’s character. The expansion plan will add new office spaces to the neighborhood
The High Line supports Chelsea Market expansion plans
January 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
In efforts to save $250 million, The United States Department of Agriculture is reviewing a proposal to change existing food safety inspections for poultry
January 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Currently, the USDA inspects poultry by eyeballing each bird for scabs and sores. The new proposal will require increased monitoring of sanitary processes and contamination controls to promote safety over making decisions solely on visual imperfections.
A pilot program has already been tested and shows no signs of increased risks to date
Chefs are taking a step “backwards” to ancient grain– quinoa, teff, millet and more.
January 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
More chefs are experimenting with ancient grains to distinguish textures and tastes from the soft and fluffy Quinoa to the nutty flavor of Teff.
Check out the list of other grains that you will start to see on more menus this year
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to close 259 domestic offices
January 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
All agency meat inspectors will continue at all meat-processing plants. The closings will only affect administrative staff. The closings are expected to happen as early as October 1st of this year.
The closings are the result of budget cuts with the operating budget of the USDA. The agencies that will be affected includes the Farm Service Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Specialty Food Magazine highlights 2012 fromage trends and favorites
January 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Cheesemongers and producers mention some of the cheeses that will entice your tastebuds: Anton’s Liebe Rot, Barinaga Ranch Baserri, Lark’s Meadow Farms Ducinea and much more.
Although keeping it local is still a demand that is trending, more distributors and importers are getting the dairy item from Wisconsin, Idaho and other national farms
Increased food stamp usage has added extra revenue to the Greenmarkets in 2011
January 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The usage of food stamps/EBT cards has seen a dramatic increase over the past year– shooting up by 25%. Union Square Greenmarket has witnessed $100,000 more in revenue from food stamp/EBT purchases than the previous year.
Although 43 out of 53 GrowNYC farmers’ markets accept food stamp purchases now, it is likely that that number may increase to provide access to a wider range of communities
December 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
During a press conference on Thursday, December 15th, Jim Slama, President of FamilyFarmed.org, highlighted the new tool which would make it easier for farmers with their food safety plans and provide more transparency between the buyer and the farmer.
Farmers also see this as a cost-saving tool since more buyers are requesting that farms are GlobalGAP-certified
https://paigepapers.com/2011/12/19/familyfarmed_shows_newfoodsafetytool_farms/
December 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Florida strawberries are off to a great start this season
Dover-based Florida Strawberry Growers Association reports that the milder growing conditions this year compared to last year in December and January has produced berry sizes from medium to large with expectations for increasing volume.
Farmers will soon reach out to local and regional chefs to showcase the state’s berries
https://paigepapers.com/2011/12/14/floridastrawberrygoodseason_2012/
December 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Meet “Generation Organic”: The Young American Farmer
of Today
Photo of Farmer Josie Johnson from Maryland. Photo by Maggie Starbard, NPR
250 young adults nationwide gathered at a recent event in Tarrytown, NY at the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture to learn more farming techniques to purchasing land. Some of these young adults already own a farm.
Generation Organic seeks to find new ways to grow produce locally without the use of chemicals
https://paigepapers.com/2011/12/13/generationorganic_youngamericanfarmers/
December 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Corn production remains low contributing to high food prices
The U.S. Department of Agriculture isn’t expecting a high surplus in corn crops for next year– the surplus increase will be up less than 1 percent from what was predicted last month.
Higher corn prices will reflect on the pricing of everything from soft drinks to cereal and food
paigepapers.com 