CCEDC News and Press Releases

CCEDC News & Press Releases

News & Press Releases

Stay up to date with all of the goings-on at CCEDC and the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill!

Additional Resources Cornell Chronical: In the News

2024

Taste NY at Todd Hill: Raise a Cup to Women’s History read more... 

2023

Which Is Better: A Real or Fake Christmas Tree? What to Know Before You Buy- Good Housekeeping read more...

CCE Dutchess County Awarded the 2023 NEDCorps Immigrant Support Grant- Morning AgClips read more...

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess Awarded the 2023 NEDCorps Immigrant Support Grant read more...

Smart Energy Choices Mid-Hudson: Connecting Communities with Clean Energy Choices read more...

NYSERDA Public Input Webinar: Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates read more...

CCEDC Reinforces Commitment to Community at Annual Meeting- Southern Dutchess News read more page 5...

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County 110th Annual Meeting Thursday November 16th read more...

CCE Dutchess County Welcomes New Leadership read more...

Incredible Support for the CCE Dutchess County ‘4-H A-Fair to Remember’ Gala read more...

Green Teen Celebrates Unforgettable "A Family Meal" Benefit Dinner read more...

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Announces Job Openings for Community Horticulture Program Coordinator and Horticulture and Food Systems Resource Educator read more...

Cornell Cooperative Extension hosts the Christmas Tree Integrated Pest Management Field Scouting & Research Updates Twilight Meeting in July read more...     

The Millerton News: Master Gardener plant sale celebrates 30th anniversary read more...

Green Teen is rooted in helping the community- will you? read more...  

Spring into the gardening season with the 30th Annual Master Gardeners Plant Sale! read more...

The 4-H Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County announces their annual “A-Fair to Remember” June 4th, 2023 read more....

Outstanding Project Award Winner Announced at the 2023 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference read more...

Clean Energy Career Fairs and Green Energy Jobs Friday, April 28, 2023 read more...

The Family and Consumer Education Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Celebrates Financial Literacy Month in April read more...

Agritourism Risk Management in this Brand-New Era Resource Guide Released read more...

Relatives as Parents Program in Dutchess County is ready to “RAPP” with Kinship Families read more...

Dutchess County 4-H’ers excel in NYS Ag in the Classroom Mac & Cheese Challenge read more...

2022

TasteNY at Todd Hill featured in the Fall/Holiday edition of The Mountains magazine read more...

Toolkit for Farmers of Color Workshop 12/13 read more...

Electric/Gas Bill Relief Workshops Throughout the Hudson Valley- Learn if You Are Eligible! read more...

Help bring the Joy of the Christmas Season by donating to Marine Toys for Tots read more... 

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Annual Meeting In-Person and Silent Auction October 19th, 2022 read more...

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County and the 5th grade class of Krieger Elementary To Host 20th Annual “DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HUDSON AND HARBOR” AT Quiet Cove 10/13/2022 read more...

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Agritourism Risk Management Workshop in September read more...

10-year-old Dutchess Co. 4-H beekeeper Shines as a Community Educator read more... Morning Ag Clips news coverage...

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Agritourism Risk Management virtual Workshop in August read more...

Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Agritourism Risk Management Workshop in July read more...

2019

Cornell Cooperative encourages local solar use (Mid Hudson News)

Millbrook – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County has announced its continuing its efforts to assist eligible, low-income Hudson Valley homeowners and renters in signing up for the state’s Solar for All program to help reduce their energy burden.

Solar for All is administered by NYSERDA through NY-Sun, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. The program offers low-income households the opportunity to subscribe to a community solar project in their area without paying any costs or fees. Residents that have participated in the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and EmPower NY are already income-qualified for the program. -  Read More Here

Grants of up to $50,000 are available to the Mid-Hudson Valley agricultural industry (The Daily Freeman)

Millbrook, NY — Grants of up to $50,000 are available to the Mid-Hudson Valley agricultural industry to help businesses qualify for the New York State Grown & Certified (NYSG&C) program.

NYSG&C is a statewide certification program designed to strengthen consumer confidence in New York State products. The grants, provided by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, will help agriculture producers meet food safety standards and/or environmental certification necessary to participate in the program. -  Read more here

2018

Craft Beer, hard cider debut at TasteNY Market (Morning AgClips)

ALBANY — New York State today announced that the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill is now promoting and selling New York craft beer and hard cider from across the State. The Market’s expansion of products to include New York craft beverages builds on the State’s initiatives designed to boost its local cider, spirits, beer and wine producers. Since Governor Cuomo’s first craft beverage summit in 2012, there has been a 120% increase in the number of craft beverage manufacturers in New York State.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Thanks to the State Liquor Authority and the innovative team at Todd Hill, we’re pleased that the Market has been able to expand its New York product offerings to include cider and beer. There continues to be a great demand for our New York-made craft beverages, so we’re pleased that, through the Taste NY program, we can help connect consumers to their local New York-based farms, and food and beverage businesses.” -  Read More Here


CCEDC awarded $49,806.00 for Education through DEC Urban Forestry Grants

Funding Supports Tree Plantings and Projects to Protect Air Quality, Water Quality and Natural Resources

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced $2.24 million in grants for urban forestry projects to protect air quality, water quality and natural resources across the state. The grants are part of DEC's Urban and Community Forestry Program, which helps communities develop and implement comprehensive tree planting, management, maintenance, and education to create healthy forests while enhancing quality of life for residents. -  Read More Here 

BEACON PUBLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATE FARM TO SCHOOL MONTH (Poughkeepsie Journal)

The Beacon Farm to School team works to get kids excited about fresh, local food and to offer more locally sourced items in the cafeteria.

October is National Farm to School Month and Beacon is celebrating farms and local food in all kinds of ways.

The Beacon Farm to School team includes Karen Pagano and her food services staff, Hudson Valley Seed, Green Teen of Cornell Cooperative Extension and Common Ground Farm. Together, we work to get kids excited about fresh, local food and to offer more locally sourced items in the cafeteria.

For the past six years we have featured a Vegetable of the Month at the elementary schools, where we teach children about a seasonal vegetable each month. At the end of the month students participate in a taste test in which they try a dish that includes the featured item and then vote. Pagano has been building the successful taste test dishes into her menu. For Farm to School Month, Pagano infused the menu with a number of Vegetable of the Month taste test successes, including lemony kale salad with apples, roasted herbed carrots, and tomato mozzarella basil salad. This month, the featured vegetable is carrots, and the cafeterias served a carrot soufflé at the Oct. 18 taste test. -  Read More Here



TASTE NY MARKET AT TODD HILL CELEBRATES FOUR-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Sales Have Grown Year-over-Year Since the Market Opened in 2014
Market Offers Variety of Products from Over 215 Food and Beverage Vendors 

The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill continues to support and promote New York State agricultural businesses and artisanal producers as it enters its fifth year in business, generating more than $4.65 million in total sales since it opened in 2014. Operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, the Market has seen an increase in sales year-over-year with a growing number of visitors passing through its doors as consumers continue to discover the Market’s offerings of local, farm-fresh food and beverages.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill continues to showcase the very best of New York’s farmers and food and beverage producers to an increasing number of visitors. The team at CCE Dutchess County knows the local farms and artisans in the area and display a true talent for choosing unique products that highlight New York’s diverse food, beverage and gift items. We love what the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill has done for these small businesses and that more consumers are getting to experience New York-made products every day.”

Taste NY Market at Todd Hill Market Manager Lachele Coninx-Wiley said, “The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill is proud to showcase abundant and delicious NY farm and artisanal food products. The positive feedback from our growing and loyal customer base is a testament to the quality and variety of fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, honey, cheeses, meats, sauces, baked goods and so much more. Now in our fifth year of operation, we continue to work closely with our farmers and value-added food producers to help them grow their businesses.”

In 2017, the Market saw a banner year, with more than $1.5 million in sales, a 23 percent increase over 2016. The number of visitors stopping at Todd Hill has also increased since 2016. The location serves travelers on the Taconic State Parkway and is open year-round.

The store has offered products from over 215 vendors since it opened its doors in June 2014. Wholesale purchases from New York farms and businesses amount to well over $2.6 million since inception. The exposure from Taste NY has helped the farms and companies participating in the program to reach more customers, increase online sales, and, in many cases, expand the processing capacity of their business. Taste NY's food and beverage businesses also support the State's farmers by using New York grown and produced ingredients in their products.

Sara Higgins of Raspberry Fields Farm said, “Having our products in Taste NY at Todd Hill creates a synergy for our online sales. It has increased our overall sales and our customer base as well. Partnering with Taste NY truly helps promote the buy local concept.”

Shelley Schulz of Healing Home Foods said, “We began selling to the Taste NY Todd Hill store in mid-June of 2016. The initial orders were about two weeks apart, but the store quickly became one of our most consistent customers, ordering every week. Looking at the June to December period in 2017 versus 2016, our sales to the store grew by more than 120%. Sales continue to grow year to date in 2018 versus 2017; the number of granola, crackers and graham bites bags sold through the Todd Hill store is up 44%. Our successful relationship with this store has led to new business for us with two locations in Broome County-- the Southern Tier Welcome Center and the Front Street Cafe in Binghamton.”

Todd Hill Farm Market

Acting as an incubator and ambassador for New York-based agricultural products and brands, Taste NY promotes New York farm and food products at events, kiosks, stores, and at New York Welcome Centers in numerous regions of the State. The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill, located on the Taconic State Parkway in the Mid-Hudson Valley, is the State’s first stand-alone Taste NY store. The store has also hosted an outdoor farmers’ market every year since 2014.

The Todd Hill Farmers’ Market is dedicated to offering shoppers products that represent the Hudson Valley in food, farming, and tourism. At least sixteen vendors may be found in the rotation, offering their fruits, vegetables, flowers, maple syrup, honey and beeswax products, cheese, baked goods, whiskey, bourbon, skincare products, eggs, oil, prepared foods, and soft drinks.

Since it opened this season on May 25, 2018, farmers’ market vendors have collectively reported $18,500 in sales. The Taste NY Farmers’ Market at Todd Hill takes place on the front plaza on Fridays from 2 to 6 pm, through October 13, 2018.

Farms participating in the New York State Grown & Certified Program also have products available at the Market. The program is the first statewide, multi-faceted food certification program designed to strengthen consumer confidence in New York products, address food product labeling, and assist New York farmers so they can take advantage of the growing market demand for foods locally grown and produced to a higher standard. These farms are working with Cornell Cooperative Extension both to qualify for registering for the program, and to receive recognition as producers of high quality food. Products from Grown & Certified Program participants Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, Hudson Valley Fresh, Red Jacket Orchards, and Arbor Hill Grapery are offered at the Market, showcasing the flavors of the State.

bout Taste NY

Taste NY is an initiative launched by Governor Cuomo in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries. It is overseen by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of stores and venues throughout the State and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park.

The Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition since it was created in 2013. The program reported sales of $1.5 million in 2014, tripled those figures to $4.5 million in 2015, and $13.1 million in 2016. For more information about Taste NY, please visit www.taste.ny.gov. Connect with Taste NY through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

About NY Grown & Certified

Governor Cuomo launched NYS Grown & Certified in 2016 to help meet the growing consumer demand for local foods grown or produced to a higher standard. The program certifies New York State producers who adhere to high food safety and environmental stewardship standards. It is supported by a marketing campaign including on-product labels, promotional materials, such as the NYS Grown & Certified website, and sales materials, to educate retail and wholesale buyers on the value of the program. For more information on NYS Grown & Certified, visit certified.ny.gov, or follow the program on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill

The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill is a vibrant marketplace featuring a curated selection of food and artisanal goods grown or processed in New York State. Known by locals and explorers alike, it is a historic destination and an experience that continues to attract new and returning customers. Located in the median of the Taconic State Parkway in Dutchess County, the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill is a project of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. Todd Hill is a vehicle to deliver high impact programming to the region’s food and agricultural communities. For more information about the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill, please visit taste.ny.gov or email TasteNYToddHill@cornell.edu



4-H'ers experience life, work on Austrian farms during recent trip abroad (Poughkeepsie Journal)

(June 14, 2018) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — Local teens got a taste of life on farms in Austria during a recent trip as part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County 4-H Teen Ambassador group.

Seven members of the group traveled to Austria March 22-31 to compare U. S. animal husbandry and agribusiness practices to those abroad, according to a written release. The group visited farms in Bad Schönau and learned how that community sustained their tightly knit family farms.

The teens were exposed to a different culture, time away from home — some for the first time — a new language and new people. They navigated their way through new cities, explored ancient architecture, learned a new currency and communication skills, hiked the hills that make the region unique, ate traditional meals and tried their hand at traditional dancing, while sharing their own style. -  Read more here


22nd Annual Ag Day Breakfast (Morning Ag Clips)

(March 29, 2018) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — Last Tuesday was the 22nd Annual Ag Breakfast. The Farm and Home Center was filled to capacity with over 130 people in attendance. The National Ag Day program believes that everyone should:

  • Understand how food, fiber, and renewable resource products are produced.
  • Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
  • Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
  • Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, fiber and renewable resource industries.

The original idea of our Ag Breakfast, was to have a farmer bring a non-farming official to the breakfast to foster better understanding of those who farm and those who don’t. -  Read more here.


2017 

Taste NY at Todd Hill celebrates 3rd year: Taste NY Market at Todd Hill surpasses $3M in sales since opening in 2014 (Morning Ag Clips)

(June 13, 2017) LaGRANGE, N.Y. — On June 9th, the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill celebrated the third anniversary of its opening. A celebration took place at the Market located in Poughkeepsie on the historic Taconic State Parkway. State and local officials, including guest of honor, New York State Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball, participated in the festivities. Cupcakes by Todd Hill vendor Babette’s Kitchen frosted in Taste NY colors crowned the event. -  Read more here

Forum on Fostering Community Climate Resiliency (HVNN)

(June 13, 2017)  MILLBROOK – Cornell Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program and the NYS DEC Office of Climate Change, will hold a forum on the New York State Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Program and the funding and support available through the program to make communities more resilient to climate change. - Read more here

82nd Annual 4-H Capital Days: 4-H members in NYS will expand their knowledge of state government (Morning Ag Clips)

(May 15th, 2017) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — A delegation representing thousands of 4-H members in New York State will expand their knowledge of state government when they travel to Albany May 21-23, 2017 for the 82nd annual 4-H Capital Days event. Nearly 120 teens delegates and their chaperons will attend, representing 4-H members from counties across the state, as well as the boroughs of New York City. Representing Dutchess County will be Cosette and Macey Veeder-Shave of Hyde Park and Rachel Callamari of Staatsburg. Meegan Veeder-Shave will accompany the delegates. -  Read more here

Master Gardener plant sale fundraiser: All proceeds go towards supporting our Master Gardener program! (Morning Ag Clips)

(May 11, 2017) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — Each year, Master Gardener volunteers and CCE staff hold our annual plant sale fundraiser in May, at the Dutchess County Farm & Home Center (2715 Route 44) in Millbrook, NY. This year’s plant sale will be held on Friday, May 19 from 10AM to 4PM and Saturday, May 20 from 9AM to 2PM. -  Read more here.

82nd Annual 4-H Capital Days (HVNN)

(May 10, 2017)  MILLBROOK – A delegation representing thousands of 4-H members in New York State will expand their knowledge of state government when they travel to Albany on May 21-23, 2017, for the 82nd annual 4-H Capital Days event. - Read more here.

Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale Fundraiser (HVNN)

(May 9, 2017)  MILLBROOK – Each year, Master Gardener volunteers and Cornell Cooperative Extension staff hold their annual plant sale fundraiser May 19 and May 20 at the Dutchess County Farm and Home Center, 2715 Route 44 in Millbrook. Plant sale hours are Friday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Read more here.

Beacon’s Food Services director, partners recognized for farm-to-school programs (Poughkeepsie Journal)

(April 25, 2017) BEACON, NY - Beacon Food Services Director Karen Pagano recently received the Public Health Partnership Award from the Dutchess County Department of Health for her work in improving the school meals program in Beacon and developing a strong Wellness Committee and policy. -  Read more here.

21st Annual Dutchess Co. Ag Breakfast: Recent event was standing room only, with 140 people in attendance (Morning Ag Clips)

(April 6, 2017) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — The 21st Annual Agriculture (Ag) Breakfast was held on Thursday, March 23, 2017. The event was standing room only, with 140 people in attendance. In addition to farmers, Dutchess County officials, legislators, town board members, the Pine Plains chapter of the Future Farmers of America FFA leadership team members, and agricultural agency personnel were also in attendance. -  Read more here

Schoolyard Sugaring Contest: 4-Hers experienced the unique process of transforming sap into syrup (Morning Ag Clips)

(March 9th, 2017) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — During the month of March, Dutchess County 4-H’ers participated in the Schoolyard Sugaring Contest. This educational event, organized by New York Agriculture in the Classroom in partnership with the New York State Maple Foundation, provided 4-H’ers with the real life experience of the process of transforming sap into syrup. -  Read more here.

Connecting local buyers & sellers: Event brought together farm businesses, buyers and distributors (Morning Ag Clips)

(February 27, 2017) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) hosted a “Speed Networking with Your B.F.F. – Businesses, Foods and Farms” event on January 23rd. This was an effort to bring together farm businesses, buyers and distributors affiliated with the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill, as well as vendors interested in selling product at Todd Hill and other Taste NY venues. This was also CCEDC’s kickoff Taste NY education and networking event for the 2017 year. -  Read more here.

B.F.F. Event Connects Ag Buyers, Sellers (HVNN)

(February 24, 2017) MILLBROOK – Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) recently hosted a “Speed Networking with Your B.F.F. – Businesses, Foods and Farms” event. -  Read more here.

Philadelphia Flower Show Bus Trip: March 16th event showcases the extraordinary plants, creativity and talent (Morning Ag Clips)

(February 16, 2017) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — CCEDC is taking reservations for our annual bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. The theme this year is “HOLLAND: Flowering the World!” showcasing the extraordinary plants, creativity and talent of this region’s top horticulturists and designers along with award winning landscape and floral designers from the Netherlands. -  Read more here.

Governor Cuomo Announces Taste NY Sales Nearly Tripled In 2016 

(February 13, 2017) Albany, N.Y. - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced Taste NY sales nearly tripled in 2016, surpassing his goal of doubling sales of participating businesses in one year. Total gross sales of New York products from Taste NY stores, cafés, bars, concessions and events topped $13.1 million last year, achieving Taste NY’s highest annual sales in the program’s history. The significant growth reflects increasing consumer demand for local products, which in-turn supports New York’s agricultural industry and food and beverage sectors. -  Read more here.

Learn it, Grow it, Eat it! Learn how to get your garden producing from June through November (Morning Ag Clips)

(February 9th, 2017) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — Interested in growing fresh, organic vegetables? Want to perk up your meals with fresh herbs from outside your kitchen door? Not sure where to start? Attend all four classes in this series and you could be harvesting your first salad in June and still eating fresh veggies from your own garden come November. The Dutchess County Master Gardener volunteers will walk you through step-by-step instructions in four, two-hour sessions. -  Read more here.

4-H Club Recognized for Excellence (Hudson Valley News Network)

(February 6th, 2017)  MILLBROOK – The Dutchess County Long Rifles (DCLR) was recognized by the Federation of Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs as the 2016 Sports Club of the Year at its annual dinner in late January. The DCLR is a 4-H Shooting Sports Program in Dutchess County. - Read more here

New precipitation models for NYS: Extreme precipitation projections to help New York state with planning (Morning Ag Clips)

(January 31st, 2017) MILLBROOK, N.Y. — Hurricanes Irene, Sandy, and Lee are examples of extreme precipitation events that have caused destruction and deaths in New York State. In 2009 alone, 175 total flooding events in New York State led to $32.82 million in property damage. The state is also still recovering from the $42 billion dollar toll of Superstorm Sandy, among others. Climate change is resulting in an increase in the frequency of heavy rainfall events. To help New York State communities plan for effects of climate change, new graphics are now available showing the increased likelihood of heavy precipitation events. -  Read more here.

Soup for Greens: Fundraiser planned for program that fights food insecurity in Beacon (Morning Ag Clips)

(January 23, 2017) BEACON, N.Y. — Join us Sunday, February 12 at the Beacon Farmers’ Market, for a fundraiser supporting Greens for Greens, a Beacon program that ensures people struggling with food insecurity get access to quality local produce.

“We launched Greens for Greens at the Beacon Farmers’ Market in 2016 and customers were so thrilled,” said Sarah Simon, Manager of the Beacon Farmers’ Market. “Many kept coming back every week, and we ran out of funds after just over four months. With the help of this fundraiser, we hope to run the program all year.” -  Read more here

Tractor safety course for youth:Tractor and machinery safety training program for youth offered (Morning Ag Clips)

(January 15, 2017) DUTCHESS CO., N.Y. — The 4-H Youth Development Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County will offer a tractor and machinery safety training program for youth. The program will be offered from February 23rd through April 1st, 2017 at the Farm and Home Center on Route 44 in Millbrook. There is a $45 registration fee to cover the cost of the course materials and the registration deadline is February 3rd, 2017. A parent/guardian consent form will need to be completed with registration. -  Read more here.

Tractor, Machine Operations Training for Youth (Hudson Valley News Network)

(January 12, 2017)  MILLBROOK – The 4-H Youth Development Program at Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County will offer a tractor and machinery safety training program for youth. The program will be offered from February 23rd through April 1st, 2017 at the Farm and Home Center on Route 44 in Millbrook. - Read more here.

Last updated March 13, 2024