One grower offered to check with his buyers to determine if there was an opportunity to do something with New York promotion. Pride of New York Program was discussed. New York State Ag and Markets reps said that growers or packers can establish specifics for packs that receive the Pride of New York label. Seal of Quality requirements were too tight and not appropriate. There is room for evaluating what could be identified as a special pack as Pride of New York.
Periodic inspection is an option.
Discussion of pre-prepared products took place. Olga Padilla-Zaroun stated that there are opportunities for convenience and institutional markets. The products need to be packed in a permeable package. There may be economic development dollars available. Apparently, there are local companies are doing some packaging of pre-processed products.