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climate change

Sugaring Season is Changing, But So Are Producers

March 20, 2020 By marketeditor

By Olivia Glaser, SFM Intern

The New York State Plastic Bag Ban, which was implemented on March 1 under the Plastic Waste Reduction Law, continues the effort to reduce plastic waste introduced into the environment.  Plastic grocery bags are no longer available, and consumers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags for shopping.  For Gina Willis of Slate Valley Farms, post-consumer waste has been a hot topic with her maple and honey production.

Glass bottles at Slate Valley Farms, photo by Pattie Garrett

Willis sells maple in 16 and 32 ounce glass jars in addition to the standard plastic jugs of maple syrup. This reusable, zero-waste packaging works on a closed-loop system: customers put down a 50 cent deposit on their jars and when they bring them back, they can either get their 50 cents back or put it towards their next purchase.  Willis cleans the jars by boiling and sanitizing them in her autoclave machine.  She explains that her great grandmother also packaged syrup this way when she ran the family farm.  The packaging started as glass jars and switched to ceramic jugs, tins (which Willis still sells as a novelty product), and then plastic.

As I was talking to Willis at the Market, Julia, a customer of Slate Valley Farm stopped by to return her glass jar, calling choosing glass over plastic “the intuitive choice.” She chooses jars as they are reusable, recyclable, and she uses them to store granola at home before returning them.

Gina Willis from Slate Valley Farms, photo by Pattie Garrett

Willis has noticed a shift among her consumers, who are more concerned about their plastic use.  By giving them the chance to purchase a zero waste product, it’s win-win for her and the consumer.

Given the effect of our changing climate on her operation, Willis explains that “things have definitely changed” over the course of her life. The sugaring season used to start in March and run through April.  Now, the warmer season comes early and she can see the difference as early as January.  A long spring is necessary for a successful harvest, as temperatures must be freezing at night and above freezing during the day for the sap to run.  A maple season, which used to be about eight weeks long, can now be as short as three or four weeks.  “You need spring!” she emphasizes.

For Willis, sugaring is ultimately getting more expensive in addition to the climate-related difficulties.  “It’s testing me,” she explains, but adds enthusiastically that “I’ll always do this.”

This week’s recipe: Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Filed Under: Featured Article, homepage feature, News Tagged With: climate change, maple syrup, plastic bag ban, Slate Valley Farms, sugaring, sugaring season, sustainability

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Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure! 🍴🌍 Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure! 🍴🌍 Join us on Saturday, March 25th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Saratoga Farmers' Market's International Flavor Fest in the Wilton Mall food court! 🎉 Indulge in frgál cakes, julekaker, burek, curries, samosas, and more, representing cuisines from all around the world! 🌎 There will be live music, family-friendly activities, and food tastings that will take your taste buds on a journey around the globe! 🎶👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Plus, our friends at the World Awareness Children's Museum will be hosting a paper fortune cookie making session for the kiddos! Don't forget to pick up your passport for a chance to win a prize by filling it with stamps from market vendors! Let's celebrate our traditions, history, and community through the language of flavorful food! 😍🍴

 #InternationalFlavorFest #SaratogaFarmersMarket #FoodieAdventure #CommunityConnection
Join us tomorrow for our Saturday market! From 9:3 Join us tomorrow for our Saturday market! From 9:30-1:30 you can find all your favorite vendors in the Wilton Mall Food court. We’ll by joined by the Academy of Life Long Learning, AIM Services, and musician Lee Paquin. Hope you can make it!!!

Photos of: @squash.villa.farm , KOKINDA Farm, and @eurodelicaciesco by Graciela Colston

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #farmersmarket #agriculture #shoplocal
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is seeking donation The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is seeking donations to help improve our market and keep our nonprofit organization running. Your donation will be used for essential functions of the market as well as helping us reach more of our long-term goals for the community. We are looking for additional resources to expand our community offerings such as hosting family friendly events, programs and activities.

You can help us by donating via our GiveButter account (link in bio) or in person at the market via our market manager. Thank you for your ongoing support. We couldn’t do it without you! 

#saratogafarmersmarket #supportlocalfarmers #nonprofit #communitylove #givebutter
Missing those sunny days at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market over at High Rock! ☀️❤️ Stay safe and warm during this snowy storm, friends! ❄️

Only 7 weeks left before we move back outside!

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #thingtodoinupstateny #shoplocal #shopsmall #agriculture #daffodils #spring

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