A state grant will allow the Mohawk Valley Growers Co-op to build a new organic processing facility, boosting local farms and meeting consumer demand.

A collective of local farmers in Montgomery County is set to significantly expand its operations after being awarded a $500,000 grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The Mohawk Valley Growers Co-op will use the funds to construct a new, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to washing, packing, and processing certified organic vegetables. This major investment will help dozens of small and mid-sized farms in the region scale up their production, access larger markets, and meet the growing consumer demand for local, organic food.

Cultivating Growth for Local Agriculture

The Mohawk Valley Growers Co-op, formed in 2018, includes over 30 member farms from across Montgomery, Herkimer, and Schoharie counties. While their individual outputs are small, their collective power is significant. However, a major bottleneck has been the lack of a centralized, certified organic processing facility. This has limited their ability to bid on large contracts from grocery chains, schools, and hospitals.

The new grant, part of the state’s “Grown & Certified” program, directly addresses this challenge.

“This is the single most important development for our cooperative since its founding,” said Sarah Miller, a Canajoharie-based farmer and president of the co-op. “This facility will allow us to pool our resources, improve efficiency, and get our fresh, local produce to more tables across the state. It’s a game-changer for family farms in the Mohawk Valley.”

Details of the New Facility

The planned 10,000-square-foot facility will be built on a centrally located site near Fonda. It is designed to meet the rigorous standards for USDA organic certification and will include:

• Advanced Washing and Sorting Lines: Automated equipment will dramatically increase the speed and consistency of preparing produce like leafy greens, root vegetables, and tomatoes for market.
• Cold Storage: Large, climate-controlled coolers will extend the shelf life of harvested vegetables, reducing waste and allowing the co-op to better manage supply and demand.
• Packing and Labeling Stations: The facility will enable the co-op to create retail-ready products with professional branding and packaging, a key requirement for larger buyers.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026 and be operational in time for the fall harvest. The project is projected to create 8-10 new full-time jobs at the facility, in addition to supporting the viability and growth of the 30+ member farms.

The Broader Impact on the Regional Food System

This investment in agricultural infrastructure has benefits that extend far beyond the farm gate. By strengthening the local food supply chain, the project contributes to regional food security and economic resilience. It provides consumers with greater access to fresh, healthy, and locally grown food.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball praised the project’s alignment with state goals. “The Mohawk Valley Growers Co-op is a perfect example of what we want to support,” Commissioner Ball stated. “By investing in infrastructure that helps our farmers thrive, we are strengthening our rural economies and ensuring that New Yorkers have access to the very best food the Empire State has to offer.”

The expansion also taps into a powerful consumer trend. Demand for organic and locally sourced food has surged in recent years. This facility positions Mohawk Valley farmers to directly meet that demand, keeping food dollars circulating within the local economy.

Planting Seeds for a Prosperous Future

The $500,000 state grant awarded to the Mohawk Valley Growers Co-op is a strategic investment in the future of our region’s agriculture. It empowers local farmers, creates jobs, strengthens our food system, and meets the evolving needs of consumers. This is a story of collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to the land.

This is a victory for every farmer in the cooperative and every consumer who values fresh, local food. We encourage our readers to support these local producers by seeking out their products at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. By choosing local, you are helping to cultivate a more sustainable and prosperous Mohawk Valley.