Food Systems Network NYC is a membership based organization designed to foster communication and cultivate community amongst various stake holders and professionals working across the food system. Members gather monthly for Open Networking meetings to encourage collaboration; share information; discuss public policy; and promote opportunities for individuals to partner on specific projects. Please enjoy looking through what our site has to offer, and if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to get in touch!

by Ed Yowell, Slow Food NYC

by Viktoriya Syrov

by Ed Yowell, Slow Food NYC

Jurrien Swartz’s day job is as a financial consultant to Credite Suisse.  His other job is that of CFO (Chief Farm Entrepreneur) of Holton Farms, which, as summer is upon us, is his other day job.  Holton Farms, the motto of which is “Good earth. Good eats,” is implementing a unique farm-to-city distribution model to serve two distinct New York City populations, CSA subscribers and food desert residents.

Holton Farms, in Bellow’s Falls, Vermont, near Westminster, has been in Jurrien’s family since the mid-1700s.  Until 2007, it was a conventional, specialty crop farm, selling produce to local supermarket chains.  In 2007, Jurrien and his cousin, Seth Holton, decided on an alternative business plan – one that would help get more fresh, regionally grown food into New York City.  

To meet the demands of New York City eaters, they  have developed relationships with other Vermont and New Hampshire farms and specialty producers (a Fair Trade coffee roaster, a creamery and a bakery) and are beginning to raise livestock (Black Angus beef cattle, chickens and turkeys now, pigs and sheep later).  They started turning Holton Farms organic in 2008 and are transitional now.  And, they have acquired a facility for aggregating produce prior to delivery to New York City.  They are ready for us now and their three-pronged distribution strategy is in play.  

Welcome to the food systems video collection! Each month, this space will feature a new local food system video submitted by FSNYC members and friends to be shared and enjoyed as an educational resource and inspiration for our collective work within our NYC region.  Some of the best stories of local food and farm efforts are difficult to convey using words alone. With the plethora of video currently being produced about food, we became excited to provide a video showcase for some of the amazing behind the scenes work within our region. This monthly feature will present innovative programs, producers, school and community gardens, other urban farming efforts -- the sky's the limit. So enjoy our feature, and spread the word!

John Tesvich, CEO of AmeriPure Oysters at Franklin, La., is ceasing operations as one of America’s largest suppliers of half-shell oysters due to sharply reduced supplies caused by the BP oil spill.  Hear from him about the uncertainties he faces moving forward. From the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board.