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- Pride of New York
Lady Liberty featured at Liberty Ridge Farm in Rensselaer County
Cultivated and “carved” from 12 acres of their 97-acre farm on the banks of the Hoosic River, the Gifford Family chose the Pride of New York emblem as the design for the popular corn maze at their Liberty Ridge Farm.
The Pride of New York emblem shows the Statue of Liberty standing majestically near a barn with rolling fields, encircled with the words, “Pride of New York.”
“The creation of corn field mazes across the state is an exciting addition to agri-tourism activities here in New York,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan Rudgers.
The Giffords selected the Pride of New York emblem this year because “For us, the maze is a way to help make the public aware of the emblem and to encourage them to buy New York State food and agricultural products,” said Cynthia Gifford, who has worked the family farm with her husband, Bob, since 1995.
Liberty Ridge’s cornfield maze of more than three miles of twists and turns takes about one hour for people to travel through. Last year, Liberty Ridge’s cornfield maze attracted approximately 20,000 visitors.
This year, the maze at Liberty Ridge Farm will be open from Aug.1-Nov.3, and is located three miles west of the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds on Stillwater Bridge Road. The farm also hosts educational field trips and corporate teambuilding adventures. There is an admission charge. Information and reservations for Liberty Ridge Farm are available by calling (518) 664-1515 or by visiting www.cornfieldmaze.com.
Liberty Ridge Farm is one of more than 600 growers and processors who belong to the Pride of New York program. Created by Governor Pataki and administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Pride of New York promotes products of New York state’s farmers and food processors and helps consumers identify the Empire State’s food and agriculture products in the marketplace.
Approximately one-half of the members are fruit and vegetable growers, according to Jessica Chittenden, spokesperson for the department. For a one-time fee of $25 growers have the right to use the Pride of New York logo on packaging, stickers and signs for their produce. Growers are able to brand their product as New York and consumers know they’re supporting local growers by buying produce with the special logo, according to Chittenden.
The program originally started in 1996 on the direct marketing level. “We’re introducing it to the retail level as well,” Chittenden said.
She said more growers and processors are invited to participate in the program. With more people on board, the more recognized New York produce will be for consumers, Chittenden said.
On Aug. 6 Governor Pataki announced 19 projects that will receive a total of $533,242 through the Cooperative Advertising Request for Proposals (RFP) that links the individual advertising and promotional efforts of food and agricultural businesses with the Pride of New York program.
The advertising provides up to $50,000 in matching funds to members of the Pride of New York Program for costs directly associated with the development of cooperative advertising or promotion.
“There is a tremendous amount of interest and enthusiasm building within the industry and with our retail partners for participation in the Pride of New York Program. I am extremely pleased at the number of creative advertising proposals submitted, and look forward to seeing the results of these grants reflected in the marketplace and media this upcoming harvest season,” said Rudgers.
Some of the recipients related to fruits and vegetables include:
• Farmers’ Market Federation of New York - $47,600 to create a series of vignettes on fresh fruit and vegetable preparation and the nutritional benefits of fresh produce.
• Nearly $20,000 to Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard in Otsego County to increase the awareness of purchasing New York products.
• Eden Valley Growers (Erie County) - $5,350 to increase the sale of locally produced vegetables through in-store cooking demonstrations and hands-on training.
• Grand Union Family Markets (Saratoga County) - $50,000 to promote and merchandise Pride of New York products throughout its stores, through print advertising, electronic media and in-store promotions, and the devotion of exclusive shelf space.
• Liberty Ridge Farm (Rensselaer County) - $3,270 for a two-day, fall weekend ag-entertainment event.
• Liberty Ridge Farm - $3,825 for a two-day, summer ag-entertainment event, featuring locally produced sweet corn.
• Mayer Brothers, Inc. (Seneca County) - $36,076 for promotional campaign highlighting the use of New York apples through electronic and print advertising.
• Carol Murphy (Niagara County) - $12,775 for a working partnership of five Niagara County farmers to sell New York produced and processed products in two seasonal stores in separate shopping malls.
• New York Apple Association, - $50,000 for statewide radio advertising campaign to promote New York apples.
• New York Bold, LLC - $10,500 for public relations and promotional campaign to increase consumer awareness and demand for New York onions.
• Red Jacket Orchard - $6,000 marketing and promotional program to raise the awareness of the benefits of purchasing New York summer fruits.
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