The Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at Syracuse University has launched
NYFoodtrader.org, a virtual farmer's market that will connect New York producers,
consumers and traders with local food fresh from the field. NYFoodtrader.org
provides farmers with a no-cost, easy and unique venue for announcing and
displaying their products all year long.
With NYFoodtrader.org, farmers can create an instantaneous listing to describe their
products, as well as the quantity, price and location of their items. Consumers-
including charities, grocers and restaurants-can post wanted items. Farmers can
post items for sale, barter or donation.
Rural communities in New York face challenges to sustain their local agriculture.
Supporting local food infrastructure is a first step toward decreasing energy use and
supporting the local economy. This website is part of a surge of interest in developing
new resources for local farmers and other producers to connect directly to consumers.
Consumers can easily search listings within specific categories, or by location, to buy
the food directly from the farmer. The website is dynamic and allows traders to
quickly register and post at any time without filling out forms. The site also serves as
a resource to farmers looking for new farmer's markets to sell their goods and
network with other farmers, consumers and traders who are interested in similar
products.
The EFC is tasked by the Environmental Protection Agency with facilitating the
development of sustainable communities. EFC staff connect motivated local
government officials and private organizations with technical assistance, assessment
tools and funding offered by a large network of collaborators and resources. The EFC
also provides professional training and community outreach to engage, educate and
enable members of the public to make their own change toward improved
environmental infrastructure and quality of life.
The EFC at Syracuse University serves the two states and two territories of the EPA
Region 2: New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NYFoodtrader.org will be monitored and maintained by the EFC staff and will be
adapted to fit the needs of those who become members. For questions regarding
NYFoodtrader.org, contact Melissa Young at (315) 443-8488.
