January 2025

Deer River Cranberry

Image courtesy of the Farm-to-Table Initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County

Happy New Year!!

Carlene and Erin are excited to wish everyone in St. Lawrence County a Happy New Year! As we enter the depths of the winter months here in the north country we are beginning to prepare for this years growing season. As always there is a great deal of preparation needed for our counties' Farmers Markets, along with beginning work on our 2025/2026 Local Food Guide, and preparing for our 2025 Bonus Bucks allocations in the coming months.


We are incredibly appreciative of the support extended to us throughout our community and can't wait to get back to work supporting our local food system and working to end food insecurity in St. Lawrence County!

What do farmers do in the winter?


In the North Country, whether a farm spans one acre, 100 acres, or more, the harsh winter conditions are no excuse to slow down. For farmers in this rugged region, frigid temperatures, frost, and biting winds aren't invitations to hibernate. Instead, winter is a time to focus on the tasks that will set the stage for success in the coming seasons—whether those goals are social, environmental, or economic. It’s a season of preparation and determination, as farmers continue their work to feed communities and care for the land.


As winter settles in across the North Country, beekeepers are facing the challenges of the season with careful preparation and concern. The cold months bring unique obstacles for their hives, with the survival of their bees hanging in the balance. The essay linked below, written by Alden Timm, St. Lawrence University, GardenShare intern, takes a closer look at the winter realities for beekeepers and the factors that impact the

survival of their colonies.

"For beekeepers in the north, the winter is an especially anxious time. The last time they see their beloved bees before the freeze is in early November when they winterize their hives. They come out in early March. Going into the winter... " CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Photos by Alden Timm

Volunteering in the spirit of

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day is the only federal holiday dedicated specifically to encourage citizens to volunteer in their communities. As you celebrate Dr. King's legacy we ask you to reflect on the ways you can help address an immediate need, as well as fight towards system change.

Call your representatives about issues near to your heart | Donate to organizations that have impacted you positively | Volunteer at a local community meal | Make a donation to a local food pantry | Pick up trash along your road

Adirondack Food System Network

The Adirondack Food System Network is a council of local food organizations working collaboratively to promote a stronger and more resilient local food system. Their upcoming 2025 Food Justice Summit will bring together leaders from across the food system and our communities to discuss vital topics regarding creating more equitable food systems.


Event organizers are currently seeking keynote speaker, presenter, and interactive workshop proposals! Find out more here!

Upcoming Events for Farmers and

Food Producers

Food Business Lab: Starts Tuesday February 4th

This is an eight session virtual course for new or early stage entrepreneurs interested in developing value-added food products and businesses. The course will cover planning, marketing and financial topics for idea phase business such as those looking to add value-added product lines to their business or start a new food product business. By the end of the course participants will have a plan for a value-added food product. This program is a good fit for those just starting out interested in starting a food-based business including students and new or expanding entrepreneurs.

*Note: This course will be limited to a cohort of 8 individuals

Registration will open in January, if you or someone you know is interested in this course, please email me directly to receive a registration link as soon as it opens.

For more information, please contact:

Mahala Nyberg ~ she, her, hers | Small Business Services Coordinator

Adirondack North Country Association

67 Main Street, Suite 201

Saranac Lake, NY 12983

Office: 518 891 6200 ext. 121

mnyberg@adirondack.org

2025 Ag and Food Producers Academy offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St Lawrence County

This unique offering is for food producers and entrepreneurs in northern NY. It's best suited to producers who want to engage in making improvements to their business in a supportive environment with like-minded local entrepreneurs and instructors. Participants of all backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to participate. This includes individuals in the planning stages as well as existing business owners eager to gain new skills.

4 Online webinars, attend 1 or more as needed for your business.


Upcoming: Plan or Improve Your Food Business Series: January 9th


For more information visit:

Plan or Improve Your Food Business Series

or contact: Flip Filippi, Local Foods Program Leader & Harvest Kitchen Manager

315-379-9192 ext 229

Farm Succession Planning

The CCE Northern NY Tri County Ag Team welcomes NY FarmNet Financial Consultant Andy Gilbert for a webinar presentation about the importance of farm succession planning. 


Free Webinar Wednesday, January 22rd 12:00-1:30pm

More info here


A hearty thank you to everyone who bid, donated, and supported our Holiday Auction! You helped raise $3,095 to support GardenShare's efforts to promote our local food system and ensure food security in St. Lawrence County!

GardenShare is beginning the process of creating the 2025/2026 edition of our Local Food Guide!

Keep an eye out for more information soon!

Connect with us! | info@gardenshare.org | 315. 261.8054

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