Hannaford Becomes 1st Retailer to Promote 'Certified' New York Produce

Hannaford Supermarkets is partnering with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to promote local products from farms participating in the New York State Grown & Certified program. Hannaford is the first grocer in the capital region to feature products grown and produced by New York farms that the state has certified as using safe food handling best practices and demonstrating environmental stewardship. Products sold under the New York State Grown & Certified seal will be available at all 49 Hannaford stores in the capital region, central New York, mid-Hudson and north country.

"The Grown & Certified Program shines a spotlight on New York's world-class agricultural products, supporting farms in communities across our state that in-turn strengthens local economies," Gov. Cuomo said. "This partnership is a win-win that will help connect consumers with high-quality foods from their communities and bolster the hard work of our farmers."

A New York State Grown & Certified display was unveiled at an event at the Latham Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy, featuring herbs, tomatoes, cabbage and other produce from farms in the capital region, mid-hudson and western New York. Additional products will be rotated into the display and showcased under the NYS Grown & Certified seal throughout the season. Certified products also will be highlighted in Hannaford's other 48 stores in New York.

"This program offers New York shoppers a great tool for identifying locally-grown products and recognizing the nearby farms that produce that food. We are excited to partner with New York State on this initiative," Dennis Martin, Hannaford's director of operations for the Albany area, said, "At Hannaford, we understand the value to our customers and to our community in offering a wide selection of high-quality, fresh items grown and produced right here."

In addition, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets is working with three other retailers throughout the State to market NYS Grown & Certified produce, dairy and poultry products. To further promote participating New York producers who meet the program requirements, NYS Grown & Certified is supported by a multi-pronged marketing campaign, including on-product labels, website, and social media pages. Several promotional videos, available here and here, were also created to give consumers an inside look at some of the NYS Grown & Certified farms.