A primary goal of the HMRC&D is to "keep farmers on the land" by helping them remain economically viable. The Council has embarked on several initiatives to help improve sales of local agricultural products. These initiatives include NELPSC, workshops for farmers to improve their marketing, and a Farm to School project.

Project lead Steve Hadcock with Cornell Cooperative Extension in Columbia County and HMRC&D Farm to School Coordinator Jill Eisenstein have been connecting farmers and local food distributors with schools wanting to purchase local produce for their cafeteria, school events, or for fundraisers which has resulted in more than $20,000 in farm sales.

In 2008 and 2009, the HMRC&D received a grant from the NYFVI to fund this initiative. A guide and directory to promote farm to school efforts was published and is available on the Council's website. If you would like to participate or be listed in the directory please contact the Council.