Carey Institute to Host Source NY Regional Launch Gathering
Farmers, Beverage Producers Invited to Free Platform Demo and Training Session
Rensselaerville, N.Y. — Farmers, craft beverage producers and other industry stakeholders from across the Capital Region are invited to attend the regional launch of Source NY. The free gathering will take place at the Carey Institute for Global Good on March 30, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Source NY was created by the Carey Institute’s Sustainable Communities Program in partnership with Sourcemap, Inc and with funding from NYS Empire State Development Corporation’s Craft Beverage Market Grant. It is a digital platform designed to connect farmers and craft beverage producers across New York State.
“After a year of working on this project, we are excited to finally get it out to the industry,” said Sustainable Communities Manager, Rebecca Platel. “There has been a significant amount of investment into local and regional food systems in recent years. Having a tool that allows you to visualize new value chains that are emerging helps demonstrate and measure the impact of those efforts.”
The need for Source NY emerged after the passage of the Farm Brewery Bill by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2012, which requires licensees to source 20% of their hops and malt from in-state growers. The percentage will increase to 60% in 2019.
“The farm brewing license has been hugely impactful to the Agricultural industry in New York State, but the growth has not come without challenges,” says Paul Leone, NYS Brewers Association President. “Like a puzzle, the brewing industry needs to fit with the agricultural industry in a way that synchronizes the efforts of all involved, and we feel Source NY is the key to making those critical connections between growers and brewers to help the industry continue with its tremendous growth and success.”
In addition to a searchable directory of farmers, beverage producers, processors and other industry service providers, users can post advertisements as well as create supply chains maps to share the story of their products with consumers. Supply chain mapping has become increasingly relevant in the food and beverage sector as consumer interest in local food continues to grow.
“Sourcemap is built on the belief that consumers have a right to know where products come from and how they’re made so that they can make sustainable purchasing decisions,” said Founder and CEO of Sourcemap, Leo Bonani. “Source NY is a unique opportunity to not only help consumers dedicated to supporting local business, but to help connect farmers and producers across the New York State craft beverage industry to grow a thriving local economy. We are thrilled to be working with the Carey Institute to bring Source NY to life.”
The event will include a demonstration of how the platform functions as well as training sessions on how to register, make marketplace connections and create your own supply chain maps. To create a visual story of your local supply chain, you can sign up here to be on the map.
Registration is required to attend the free launch. Email Greg Back or call (518) 797-5100 to sign up.
The Carey Institute for Global Good is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2012 by Wm. Polk Carey and is dedicated to making the world better by contributing to a strong, educated and just society. Through its programs, the Institute strives to bring together innovative and dynamic people from around the world to seek creative solutions to the most pressing challenges of the day.
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