The Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is continually on the hot seat and is often lambasted for granting tax abatements to businesses critics deem unworthy of such financial assistance. Even though there may be occasions when these assessments are just, most of the time such criticism is unwarranted.
The ground breaking for the Red Meat Plant was finally held yesterday in Liberty after unforeseen delays, and now comes word of a Food Hub for Sullivan County.
The IDA must be applauded for the work, grants received, and financial contributions they have made to bring this new and exciting Food Distribution Hub Network to Sullivan County.
The facility which will be located in Glen Wild, will serve businesses throughout the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and New York City.
The partners in the project are Ginsberg’s Foods, the Sullivan County IDA, American Farmland Trust Farm to Institution Program, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension.
We often hear that farmers and food purveyors lack an efficient system in distributing their good. But, the Food Hub will in all likelihood change that
.
Local businesses such as Catskill Mountain Sugarhouse, Hudson Valley Bounty, Murray’s Chicken, Brey’s Egg Farm, Bethel Creamery, Java Love, Thunder View Farm, Hill Acres Farm, and Northern Farmhouse Pasta to name a few, will now have a great avenue to distribute their products and grow their business while stimulating our economy.
This project leverages significant commitments that have been secured in advance of New York State funding. Both a $220,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant and a $90,000 USDA Rural Business Opportunity Grant have been awarded for this project.
It is noteworthy that the Sullivan County IDA indentified the shovel-ready site in Glen Wild and committed over $250,000 in matching funds for the project.
Ginsberg Foods, one of New York State’s leading food distributors is investing $11.3 million in the expansion of its existing distribution facilities, which will allow them to provide 10,000 square feet of space for a Hudson location.
Ginsberg’s is also willing to fund staffing and operating expenses at the Hudson location and would do the same for the Sullivan County facility.
Without a doubt this project will address many regional Hudson Valley goals including improving the efficiency of the regional food distribution network, investing in infrastructure to increase the value of local food transactions, and taking advantage of opportunities to sell locally grown food downstate to customers.
Equally important is that New York consumers will now have greater access to healthy, nutritious foods grown by Sullivan County farmers and food purveyors.
Great work Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency!
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.