CCE Releases Smart Phone App
By Amy Modesti
Looking for an application that will help you discover local farms and farmers’ markets or CSA’s within the Capital Region? Now you have it. “Harvest Connection” is a free app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play onto your phone or tablet. It was designed by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County.
Wednesday, November 20, members of CCE held a press conference at Engle’s Acres in Brunswick in support of the release of “Harvest Connection.” Members of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce, local farmers, among other Rensselaer County and State officials, attended the conference and spoke a few words concerning the app’s release.
According to Kayela Statom of CCE, the goal of “Harvest Connection” is to connect local consumers to local products and local farmers through the app and the online website. “Harvest Connection” is a directory of farms, farm stands, farmers’ markets, CSAs, and events that occur in the counties of Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Washington. Over 110 farms and farmers sent in their information for the app and 345 consumers signed up for the e-newsletters. “Harvest Connection” will help farmers and local farmers’ markets spread the word about their products and events to patrons who wish to purchase local goods to eat at their home.
Bernadine Wiesen, Executive Director of CCE, explained that the creation of the app originated with the assistance of a USGA specialty crop grant that both Donna Murray from the Rensselaer County Office of Economic Development and digital literacy educator, Sarah McFallon, worked on together. They sent out a survey to local farmers to see what they needed assistance with, and the number one answer was marketing. From there, it took three years for the completion. Their hope for the app is for an increase in sales of local produce for local farms.
Ed Engel of Engle’s Acres thanked everyone for coming to the event. A sixth-generation farmer whose family has been involved in farming for almost 150 years along Albany Shaker Road, currently resides and farms in Brunswick. Engel loves the current location for his business and thanked his wife, daughter, and son for helping him out on the farm.
Kate Manley, president of Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce, recently has seen an increase of businesses opening in Rensselaer County. She was happy for the app’s debut and is excited that it will help connect farms and consumers together. Since November is small business month, Manley encouraged others to support local businesses, including those who are taking part in “Harvest Connection.”
Chuck Peters, a fourth-generation farmer, mentioned how the app will now help re-create the connection of the farms with the consumer. The farms and farmers markets will now get more bang for their buck on their products.
Wiesen, along with Peters, Manley, Engel and other dignitaries, cut a burlap ribbon to conclude the event and celebrate the app’s release.