WALTON, NY - A new campaign promoting specialty crops in the Catskills will help local consumers and visitors learn more about where to find locally grown produce at farmers' markets, farmstands and pick-your-own farms, and how to prepare and enjoy the seasonal bounty.

Launched this month and running through December, the "Fresh from the Catskills" campaign increases awareness of the benefits of buying regionally grown fruits, vegetables and other edible specialty crops in Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster counties. The campaign includes print, radio and online advertising, social media, giveaways and other promotional activities. Consumers can follow the Pure Catskills Facebook page and tweets from @PureCatskills for coupons and special giveaways, "Fresh from the Catskills."

County specific listings of farmers' markets, farmstands and pick-your-own farms and harvest festivals, as well as seasonal recipes, facts and other tips directly related to featured specialty crops can be found on Pure Catskills' "Fresh from the Catskills" webpage at www.buypurecatskills.com/freshfromthecatskills.html. The campaign will promote the abundance of available fresh, local products in the Catskills, ranging from tomatoes, corn, melon and grapes to pumpkins, squash and root vegetables and pick-your-own Christmas trees and evergreens.

Funding for the new campaign comes from an $18,550 grant to the Watershed Agricultural Council (Council) from New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. "Specialty crops are incredibly valuable to New York State's economy, environment and quality of life," said NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Darrel Aubertine. "Locally produced fruits, vegetables and other edible specialty crops offer the State's residents -- of all ages -- healthy and delicious options for a diverse and nutritious diet."

The Council is working with Kingston-based CRSR Designs on the campaign that includes ads in Edible Hudson Valley, Catskill Mountain Region Guide, and WatershedPost.com, as well as radio spots on WAMC/AMK-FM, WDST-FM, WDLA-FM, WDHI/IYN-FM and WTBD-FM.

About Pure Catskills

Pure Catskills buy local campaign is an economic initiative of the Watershed Agricultural Council. The Council protects both the rural, land-based economy of the watershed region and the drinking water quality of over nine million people. Working with farmers, agribusinesses, forest landowners, forest industry professionals and others, the Council seeks to enhance both business profitability and environmental stewardship. It also champions the use of conservation easements as an option to keep land within a working landscape context. The Council works through partnerships with other nonprofits organizations, government agencies and community stakeholders to achieve its purpose. For more information, visit www.buypurecatskills.com or follow Pure Catskills on Facebook or Twitter. 

About the Watershed Agricultural Council 

The Watershed Agricultural Council is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, and other federal and foundation sources. The Council is an equal opportunity employer and provider. For more information, visit www.nycwatershed.org.