Governor Cuomo Announces New York State Grown & Certified Expands to Dairy Industry
Stewart’s Shops Dairy Products Will Feature Certified Seal this JulyAnnouncement Celebrates Dairy Month in June
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recentlyy announced New York State Grown &
Certified program is expanding to include the New York dairy industry.
The state is partnering with Stewart’s Shops to launch the promotional
program that distinguishes agricultural products that are local and made
by producers who meet safe food handling best practices and demonstrate
environmental stewardship. Beginning next month, consumers will be able
to find the NYS Certified label on Stewart’s dairy products in more
than 300 stores across the State. Stewart’s egg supplier, Thomas
Poultry Farm from Schuylerville, is also participating in the program.
"The Grown & Certified program connects consumers with high-quality,
farm-fresh New York products, while supporting our hard-working farms,
businesses and local economies across the state,"
Governor Cuomo said. "By partnering with Stewart’s Shops, we will expand this program
to promote and provide a boost to some of New York’s best producers
and support the dairy industry's continued growth and success."
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today's announcement in
Clifton Park, said, "The addition of the dairy industry to the Grown & Certified
program is another milestone in our efforts to promote New York's
world-class farm products. Grown & Certified ensures that consumers
are getting food produced in a manner that meets the highest safety and
environmental standards while giving our producers and farmers new opportunities
to grow their businesses. Stewart's Shops is the perfect partner for
this expansion in the Capital Region, and I look forward to seeing this
program and our agricultural industry continue to flourish."
Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake said, “At Stewart’s Shops we take pride in providing quality products
to our customers, and that includes our fresh, local milk and eggs. Growing
up in the dairy business, I know first-hand the hard work it entails.
We are proud to now carry the Certified seal and continue to be partnered
with family farms that uphold high-quality and environmental standards
right here in our own communities.”
Starting in July, Stewart’s will launch new packaging for their
half-gallon milk containers, which will prominently feature the New York
State Certified label and a description of the program. Signage in-store
and at the gas pump, as well as a promotional
video, are already in stores, helping to educate consumers about the Certified
program and what it means to them. Many varieties of Stewart's milk,
half and half, heavy cream, and ice cream will all carry the Certified seal.
Stewart’s Shops, a longstanding and well-respected dairy processor,
adheres to the New York State Grown & Certified food safety and environmental
management plan requirements. The company has stores in the Capital Region,
North Country, Hudson Valley, and Central New York regions. They proudly
source all of their milk from local farms in Saratoga, Rensselaer, and
Washington Counties.
In addition to Stewart’s dairy products, its eggs will feature the
NYS Grown & Certified seal, highlighting Thomas Poultry Farm. The
farm adheres to environmentally responsible practices and exceeds federal
egg safety standards.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Stewart’s is a natural fit for New York State Grown &
Certified with its reputation for quality products and community connections,
which are two of the guiding principles of the program. Not only does
Stewart’s milk come from responsible and sustainable, local farms,
but Stewart’s also takes extra care at the processing plant. When
consumers pick up Stewart’s milk, eggs, and even ice cream, they
can feel good knowing they are truly getting some of the best products
for their families.”
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie said, "New York's dairy farmers and producers work extremely hard to deliver to consumers food and drink that are high-quality, fresh and nutritious. Expanding the New York State Grown and Certified program to include dairy will help to better promote their products and in turn, will boost their businesses, as well as New York's agriculture industry as a whole. I would like to thank the Governor, as well as Commissioner Ball for working to highlight the efforts of our farmers and look forward to seeing New York State Grown and Certified dairy products in Stewart's Shops across New York State."
Assemblyman Bill Magee said, “Providing NY Grown & Certified dairy products in Stewart’s Shops is an effectual and convenient way to make wholesome fresh dairy foods available to neighborhood commuters. Stewart’s customers will have access to locally produced, and quality certified fresh eggs, milk, ice cream and dairy products- with the all the confidence the label of the NY Grown and Certified program provides- along with the convenience of corner store shopping.”
Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett said, “Farming and the production of agriculture products continue to
be a driving force of the economy in Saratoga County and Clifton Park.
Meaningful programs such as New York State Grown and Certified along with
partnerships between New York State, the business community and local
municipalities will support our farms and enhance business opportunities.
Clifton Park is proud to partner with Governor Cuomo, New York Ag and
Markets and Stewart’s for the launch of the New York State Grown
and Certified Program.”
Ed Kinowski, Chairman for the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, said, "One of Saratoga County’s leading industry is Agriculture and
we promote the growth and restoration of farms throughout our County.
Over the past several years we have protected 4,209 acres of farm land
and open space and invested over $4.7 million if direct funding. Additionally
our county delivers over $34 million is direct sales of agricultural products.
Our county embraces this Grown & Certified program and congratulates
the Stewarts Corporation and Thomas Poultry Farm for their participation."
Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen said, "It is because of initiatives like this that we can be a strong,
sustainable community. Buying and growing local supports our motto in
Saratoga Springs: health, history and horses."
Chris Koval, Owner of Koval Brothers Dairy, said, “Our family farm has sold milk to Stewart’s for most of my
life, and it’s something we’re very proud of. This new seal
promotes what we have been doing all along; working with clean, healthy
animals and providing fresh, local, high-quality milk for Stewart’s
customers.”
Jennifer Thomas, owner of Thomas Poultry Farm, said, “Our farm has had a strong relationship with Stewart’s for
several decades, ensuring that their customers get fresh, local eggs from
a family-run farm. Now we are proud to say our eggs are New York State
Certified, meaning we provide local, high-quality eggs, while also being
good stewards of the land that we use to grow corn for our hens.”
Chairman of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Dale
Stein said, “Our Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the State are helping
farms everyday work toward implementing best management plans and best
practices that have a real impact on addressing the effects of climate
change and the soil and water quality of our land. I’m pleased that
Stewart’s has joined the NYS Certified program, which will elevate
the promotion of the State’s dairy farms and their efforts to be
excellent stewards of the environment.”
About New York State Grown & Certified
Launched by Governor Cuomo in
August
2016, New York State Grown & Certified promotes New York’s agricultural
producers. It assures consumers that the food they are buying is local
and produced to a higher standard by requiring participating producers
to adopt good agricultural practices and enroll in the Agricultural Environmental
Management program.
New York State Grown & Certified’s marketing campaign includes
on-product labels and promotional materials, such as a
website,
video and sales materials, to encourage program participation among producers
and to educate retail, wholesale and institutional buyers on the value
of the program.
There are currently 54 fruit and vegetable producers representing 34,204
acres of farmland in the State participating in the New York State Grown
& Certified program.
About Stewart’s Shops
Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store
chain with over 330 shops across upstate New York and southern Vermont.
Milk and eggs are collected daily from farms near their plant, and that
milk is also used to make their dozens of delicious ice cream flavors.
Stewart’s Shops also known for coffee, Easy Food, grocery, gasoline
and other convenience items. Stewart’s Shops gives back to its communities,
donating approximately $2.5 million annually, with Dake family foundations
giving an equivalent amount.