Two Farms That Supply Local Greenmarkets Reap Inspection Violations

By: Valarie D'Elia

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Buying local from a greenmarket is a summer tradition many New Yorkers enjoy, but the heat has being turned on providers of baked goods from two upstate farms. NY1's Travel reporter Valarie D’Elia filed the following report.

At the 92nd Street Greenmarket, there is a telltale sign that summer is on the wane, as the farm-fresh apples have started to appear.

“We come here once a week. We're just looking for fresh fruit and vegetables, we are passionate about supporting local farmers,” says shopper Kerry Klein.

GrowNYC, the nonprofit that runs more than 50 greenmarkets in the city, is diligent about keeping customers like Klein happy.

“If you are dedicated to knowing where your food is coming from these markets are the place to come,” says Karen Seiger, the author of "Markets Of New York City."

New Yorkers who want to see where their food comes from can check a list of participating farms posted on GrowNYC’s Web site, which recommends 13 "pick your own" orchards and farms in New York State that welcome visitors.

Seven of those 13 farms also process their own food, so they have to be licensed and inspected by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

One of those farms is Breezy Hill Orchards in Dutchess County, which sells apples, cider and baked goods at both the 92nd Street and Union Square greenmarkets. For the second time over the past two years, Breezy Hill failed its inspection.

The most recent report cited Breezy Hill for live and dead flies in food processing areas, dried rat droppings in a storage tent and unclean packaging materials, among other unsanitary conditions. NY1 also saw these unsafe conditions in person.

Another Dutchess County "pick your own" farm which sells goods at two Brooklyn greenmarkets, Fishkill Farms, also failed its last inspection. It was cited for having flies and no potable water. Inspectors said those deficiencies were corrected on the spot.

Breezy Hill has been absent from 92nd Street Market for the past three weeks, and a GrowNYC spokesman said in an e-mail, “When there are concerns, products and producers are pulled from market until those concerns are remedied.”

To separate a bad apple from the barrel when visiting a "pick your own" farm, the state requires an summary of the latest inspection to displayed in a highly visible spot.

As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.