Special appearance by Upstate New York native celebrates Hudson Valley farmers and supports local farm-to-table movement

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball and Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County today announced that Nancy Fuller, star of the Food Network’s Farmhouse Rules culinary show, will make a special appearance at the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill on Friday, May 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. to celebrate Hudson Valley’s farmers, and encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the region’s farm and food products. 

Commissioner Ball said, “The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill is the perfect backdrop for this special guest.  Nancy Fuller grew up on a farm right here in Upstate New York and has been a constant advocate for the use of farm fresh, local products and ingredients that bring a zest to cooking.  We’re pleased to have her visit the Taste NY store and share her love of New York agriculture with others.”

Stephanie Radin, Agriculture/Horticulture Program Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, said, “Nancy Fuller will be signing autographs at The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill, a unique Taste NY experience on the Taconic Parkway that offers a wide variety of regional and New York State foods, beverages and agricultural products represented by at least 15 different agricultural producers on a rotating basis.  The Taste NY Market at Todd Hill provides a great opportunity to help the region’s farmers sell their first-class products and expand their reach into new markets.”

Nancy Fuller’s show, Farmhouse Rules—which will begin filming its fifth season this month, highlights the region’s hard-working farmers and promotes the farm-to-table movement, which she has long supported. Born on a 500-acre dairy farm in Upstate New York, Nancy’s childhood instilled in her a love and respect for farmers, food, and the land where it is grown. The New York native has inspired millions of viewers with her personal mission to put the family back at the dinner table.  Farmhouse Rules is filmed on location at her 18^th century farmhouse in the Hudson Valley. 

Nancy can also be seen as a judge on the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship, a special series that premiered April 26 and airs every Sunday at 9/8c.  She will release her first cookbook, Farmhouse Rules, on October 13, 2015.  The cookbook highlights food products from the area she loves and calls home.  Nancy crafted recipes that are influenced by personal stories, and feature her easy, “chop-chop in the pot” entertaining style.

There is no charge for this special event.

Governor Cuomo launched the Taste NY initiative to promote agricultural products grown, produced and processed in New York State.  Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Dutchess County operates and manages the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill with the goal to help agricultural producers get their products retail-ready and increase their potential market outlets. The State Department of Agriculture and Markets provides oversight to CCE on the operation and also works with them on promotion of the facility.  Among the Taste NY products offered at the Taste NY Market at Todd Hill are fresh eggs, dairy products, meats, local fruits and vegetables, sauces and syrups. Travelers can also purchase local ice cream, coffee or tea, as well as sandwiches and pastries. For more information, please visit www.taste.ny.gov or http://ccedutchess.org/agriculture-horticulture/taste-ny-market-at-todd-hill-1.php.

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