Farmers market shoppers speak with a market vendor

Food Systems

Connecting communities, supporting farmers, and increasing access to fresh, local food in Jefferson County.

Jefferson County Food Connections

Through efforts like Grow Local, Buy Local, Taste NY, farmers markets, and institutional partnerships, we foster stronger connections between producers and consumers while building a more resilient, sustainable food system. Our team provides hands-on support and technical assistance to farmers, distributors, and community partners to expand market opportunities, promote collaboration, and improve year-round access to local products.

Woman purchasing produce at farmers market

Jefferson County Local Food Guide

Your go-to resource to discover farmers markets, farm stands, local farms, craft beverages, and more in Jefferson County.

Sprinkling seasoning on a platter of steaks on a wooden cutting board.

MeatSuite

Browse local livestock farms selling in bulk through the MeatSuite directory - a resource designed to support both farmers and consumers.

NCWC Taste NY

Taste NY

We are proud to operate the Taste NY Market located at the North Country Welcome Center. Find a selection of made to order breakfast and lunch items, specialty local goods and gifts, and I LOVE NY merchandise. 

Fresh produce on table

Watertown Farm and Craft Market

Were excited to now host The Watertown Farm and Craft Market. This county-favorite market brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses in the heart of downtown Watertown. Join us on Wednesdays, May 27 - October 27, 2026 8 AM - 2 PM to support local agriculture, explore handcrafted goods, and connect with the community!

Learn More About the Farmers Market

Resources for Farmers & Food Processors

Grow Local, Buy Local

This initiative helps increase direct marketing opportunities for farmers and improves access to healthy local food in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. We offer technical assistance and training to producers, distributors, and institutions to expand market opportunities and boost farm revenue. Support is available through one-on-one sessions, group trainings, and virtual formats like webinars and social media.

Jefferson County's Food Policy Council

A community-led effort aiming to improve our local food system by fostering the growth of agricultural businesses and reducing food insecurity. It brings together farmers, businesses, nonprofits, and other partners to make sure everyone has access to healthy, affordable food. The council also supports the growth of local agriculture and food businesses by addressing challenges like fair market access, food distribution, and workforce needs. By working together, members aim to create lasting change through local action and informed policy.

Farmers Market Resiliency Grant

This grant aims to strengthen long-term resiliency by investing in the success, stability, and growth of farmers market vendors across farmers markets operating in Jefferson County. Grant funds must be used to increase farmers market resiliency, defined as a commitment to long-term market viability, sustainability, and accessibility and the ability to recover from or adapt to changes and adversity in the farmers market environment and/or local community. CCE aims to help support, recruit, and retain local vendors. By helping farmers navigate regulation compliance, providing educational workshops, and using maximum $2500 subawards to equip vendors with crucial resources, this project contributes to a more robust, diverse, and resilient local food system.

Amy at a farmers market with a display of eggs for sale

Funding Categories & Restrictions

Subawards are available for: Vendor supplies, marketing POS systems, cold storage or power support, season extension and production-enhancing technology.


Funds may not be used for: Inventory or merchandise for resale, market rent or lease fees, insurance or permits, salaries or wages, indirect or unrelated expenses.

Application Information

Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully awarded. CCE will conduct the application reviews. Please allow at least two weeks for review before following up. Printed applications can be emailed, mailed, or delivered to the CCE office Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Information

For more information or assistance filling out the application, please reach out to: 


Taylor Rollins
Agriculture and Workforce Development Educator
tar234 [at] cornell.edu (tar234[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
315-788-8450 ext. 224 

Address: 203 N. Hamilton Street, Watertown NY, 13601

Farm to School

Cornell Cooperate Extension collaborates with local schools and community partners to develop farm to school programs tailored to each county's needs. While each is unique, all share a common goal: fostering appreciation for fresh, local food while supporting farmers and the community. Jefferson County’s farm to school programs brings these goals to life. Explore some of the initiatives making a difference in the North Country.

School Gardens

Master Gardeners help grow gardens with produce that can be used in school meal programs.

Harvest of the Month

Nutrition Educators deliver engaging lessons, food demonstrations, and seasonal recipe tastings that highlight a featured ingredient each month. Classrooms receive a newsletter with the recipe, tips, and resources to help students share what they’ve learned with their families at home.

Ag Literacy Week

Each year we collaborate with New York Agriculture in the Classroom (NYAITC) to bring New York Ag Literacy week to schools. Volunteers in 2nd grade classrooms throughout Jefferson County share a story and activity that promotes many aspects of NY agriculture. 

Great Outdoor Ag-venture Day

This is a Fall school field trip opportunity aimed at helping 4th & 5th graders develop an understanding and appreciation for agriculture and natural resources in the North Country.

camp garden
Planting bulbs during the fall.
Planting vegetables in a garden.
Children planting a vegetable garden

Contact Information

Michael Myers
Food Systems & Taste NY Program Manager
tar234 [at] cornell.edu (mm384[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
315-788-8450 ext. 231