KK&P facilitated a NYC and NY State Regional Food Hub Task Force formed by Governor Cuomo in 2014 charged with identifying catalytic capital investments and programmatic solutions to expand the distribution of regional foods throughout state and city in the short- and long-terms. The Task Force was extensive, comprised of representatives from the Governor’s Office, the office of the Mayor of NYC, Empire State Development, New York City Economic Development Corps, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
As a facilitator, KK&P led all primary research, including over 40 stakeholder interviews, and the creation and administration of an online survey to a broad array of stakeholders. We also developed an action plan that would comprise a a comprehensive investment, policy and catalytic business support system to expand the regional agricultural economy that would be supplying more NYS-produced food for the locavores in NYC.
Specific Task Force recommendations are to increase on-farm infrastructure and upstate food hubs, to create a network of NYC food hubs, a revitalization of the Pride of New York marketing program, and to create a financing information hub.
These recommendations, when implemented, will strengthen New York State’s agricultural sector, facilitate the transportation of New York grown foods into New York City, and provide more equitable access to local, fresh, and healthy foods in New York City and beyond.
In August of 2016, Governor Cuomo launced the NY State Grown & Certified label, and announced a $20 million food hub in the Bronx to increase access to farm-fresh produce. These actions are a direct result of Task Force recommendations and prove NY State's commitment to local and regional food producers.