New York state’s Grown & Certified program is expanding to include the New York dairy industry.
The state is partnering with Stewart’s Shops to launch the promotional program that distinguishes agricultural products that are local and made by producers who meet safe food handling best practices and demonstrate environmental stewardship.
Officials said Stewart’s Shops adheres to the state Grown & Certified food safety and environmental management plan requirements. They proudly source all of their milk from local farms in Saratoga, Rensselaer, and Washington counties.
Beginning in July, consumers will be able to find the NYS-certified label on Stewart’s dairy products in more than 300 stores across the state. Stewart’s egg supplier, Thomas Poultry Farm from Schuylerville, is also participating in the program.
“The Grown & Certified program connects consumers with high-quality, farm-fresh New York products, while supporting our hard-working farms, businesses and local economies across the state,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “By partnering with Stewart’s Shops, we will expand this program to promote and provide a boost to some of New York’s best producers and support the dairy industry’s continued growth and success.”
Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake said, “At Stewart’s Shops we take pride in providing quality products to our customers, and that includes our fresh, local milk and eggs. Growing up in the dairy business, I know first-hand the hard work it entails. We are proud to now carry the certified seal and continue to be partnered with family farms that uphold high-quality and environmental standards right here in our own communities.”
Starting in July, Stewart’s will launch new packaging for their half-gallon milk containers, which will prominently feature the state-certified label and a description of the program. Signs in-store and at the gas pump, as well as a promotional video, are already in stores, helping to educate consumers about the program. Many varieties of Stewart’s milk, half and half, heavy cream, and ice cream will all carry the certified seal.
In addition to Stewart’s dairy products, its eggs will feature the state Grown & Certified seal, highlighting Thomas Poultry Farm. The farm adheres to environmentally responsible practices and exceeds federal egg safety standards, officials said.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Stewart’s is a natural fit for New York state Grown & Certified with its reputation for quality products and community connections, which are two of the guiding principles of the program. Not only does Stewart’s milk come from responsible and sustainable, local farms, but Stewart’s also takes extra care at the processing plant. When consumers pick up Stewart’s milk, eggs, and even ice cream, they can feel good knowing they are truly getting some of the best products for their families.”
Chris Koval, owner of Koval Brothers Dairy, said, “Our family farm has sold milk to Stewart’s for most of my life, and it’s something we’re very proud of. This new seal promotes what we have been doing all along—working with clean, healthy animals and providing fresh, local, high-quality milk for Stewart’s customers.”
Jennifer Thomas, owner of Thomas Poultry Farm, said her farm “has had a strong relationship with Stewart’s for several decades, ensuring that their customers get fresh, local eggs from a family-run farm. Now we are proud to say our eggs are state certified, meaning we provide local, high-quality eggs, while also being good stewards of the land that we use to grow corn for our hens.”