This October, five local farmers will represent the Catskills region at the food-based event Terra Madre, in Turin, Italy.  As representatives of the Pure Catskills Buy Local campaign, this delegation represents the region's geographic and business diversity. The group will attend the five-day event from October 23rd through 27th. 

At Terra Madre, an international network of 8,000 farmers, food producers, cooks and academics from 150 countries will share their practices and experience with others from across the globe.

The Pure Catskills contingent was selected from a qualified group of over 30 applicants.  We selected these local farmers based on their essay application, the variety of farming venues they represent, and their ability to share the information upon their return.  Each delegate is expected to actively give back to the community as educators, volunteers and advocates for local agriculture.

The five Pure Catskills members selected include:

• Lisa Wujnovich, an organic vegetable grower from Mountain Dell Farm, Deposit;

• Ken Jaffe, a grass-fed beef producer from Slope Farms, Meredith;

• Carol Clement, a livestock producer and beekeeper from Heather Ridge Farm, Preston Hollow;

• Peter Ferrante, a vegetable grower and retailer from Wallkill View Farm, New Paltz; and

• Rosalie Glauser, a chef and small farmer from the Slow Down Food Company, Andes.

A community event to share the experience of the 2008 delegation is in the works with Slow Food Catskills for this fall.