Small New York farms with diverse offerings are experiencing a boom in business during the COVID-19 pandemic, reports The New York Times. While large “factory farms” are struggling to stay open and keep workers employed, smaller farms are finding themselves able to pivot more quickly to adapt to consumer needs.
Blue Star Farm, a 10-acre farm in the Hudson Valley, has experienced a 25 to 30 percent boost in sales compared to previous years. “We thought we’d feel the pinch of losing the restaurant business, but we’re hitting demand now that we would usually see in July,” said Mark Decker, who owns the farm along with his wife, Susan.
Community-supported agriculture programs, or CSAs, have also helped small farmers find success during the pandemic. Sange Lee, an 80-acre farm on Long Island, decided to pivot to CSA pickup after crowds at its farm stand became too long. “Everyone is out on the North Fork all of a sudden, and everyone wants vegetables, more than we can supply,” said Lucy Senesac, a manager at the farm. “It’s hard managing all the phone calls. I’m having to hide a little bit.” Full Story
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from Industry Operations https://ift.tt/2WetpL5
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