FarmFinderCNY.com, a new website launched by a Remsen resident, carries information on farms, farm stands and what products are currently available
National Institute of Health
Finding local food can sometimes be harder than buying it.
But that’s where FarmFinder CNY, a new website designed to make it easier for Central New York residents to find nearby farms and farm stands and see what products are currently available, comes into play.
The project was launched by Remsen resident Ronald Shilling, who developed the website with his 10-year-old son. This, after the two visited a farm stand near their home — only to find it sold out — and then embarking on a quest to find another stand in the area.
“We should make an app,” Shilling recalled his son saying.
Neither had previously developed an app or website, but the idea stuck and they got to work.
Their work took on the spirit of the old adage, “necessity is the mother of invention” as they crafted an online tool for the community to use.
FarmFinder CNY features an interactive map of participating farms and farm stands. Visitors can search for local products, view information about individual farms and get directions. The site is designed to provide a quick way to see what is available locally without having to search through multiple social media pages, groups or individual farm websites.
“The goal is to provide live updates so shoppers can see what farms currently have available before making a trip,” Shilling said.
That can be especially useful for small farms, where product availability can change quickly and information is often shared through word of mouth or social media.
Getting into how the site works, Shilling said verified farm owners can manage their own profiles and update their listings as products become available or sell out. Farmers can also add badges to their profiles for communicating information like their growing practices or seasonal options being sold.
The system is intended to put consumers closer to the farms, Shilling said, while giving producers a straightforward way to communicate directly with potential customers.
“Central New York is home to many outstanding farms and farm stands. But residents may not always know where they are or what products are available,” he said. “By making these connections easier, we can help keep more consumer spending with local farms and within our communities.”
FarmFinder CNY promotes the message “Keep NY Farming” and is designed for year-round use by both consumers and farmers.
What’s more, the website can also be used as a shortcut on a phone, giving shoppers a centralized place to find local farm products.
Shilling said the project continues to expand its network of participating farms and develop additional tools for shoppers and producers.
Farm owners and operators can visit FarmFinderCNY.com to locate an existing listing or add their farm and manage their information. Residents can use the site’s interactive map to explore participating farms and farm stands.