Essex County, New York, Leads in Direct-to-Consumer Farm Sales, Bolstering Local Economy
Essex County in New York state has emerged as a significant leader in direct-to-consumer (D2C) farm sales, ranking second statewide with 33% of its 244 farms selling directly to customers. This figure is highlighted in the executive summary of the Farmland Protection and Food System Plan. Cole Trager, agriculture and local food team leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension, describes this as a major untold story for the region. These D2C sales, which include meat, dairy, and vegetables, occur through various channels such as CSA shares, farmers' markets, on-farm stores, and online orders. A substantial portion of these sales remains within the region, indicating that the food produced locally is also consumed locally. The Northeast region, including New York, is a national frontrunner in D2C sales, accounting for approximately 28% of the total U.S. market. While Suffolk County on Long Island holds the top spot in New York, Essex County is a close second, with Franklin County also showing significant growth ...
