Food Systems
ANCA’s Local Food Systems Program envisions a robust regional food system that meets the needs of farmers, producers, businesses, and consumers. By equipping farms and food businesses with tools to sustain healthy and resilient lands and strong, stable businesses, and by strengthening access to locally produced food for all, we ensure farm viability and food access for generations to come.
Technical Assistance
ANCA connects small businesses, farms and nonprofits with technical assistance to help build stability and plan for the future. Utilizing expertise and technical services provided by ANCA’s program staff and partners, our team supports farms and small businesses with free or low-cost services such as grant coordination and advocacy, marketing resources, and energy improvements.
Community-scale Composting
Compost for Good offers support for farmers, municipalities, food scrap haulers, compost operators, institutions and others to improve and maintain long-term soil health and reduce the amount of organic materials ending up in landfills.
Access to Financing
The ANCA Bridge Loan Program helps small businesses and farms move forward with reimbursable grant projects — without waiting for grant funds to arrive.
Market Support
As the host organization for the High Peaks Farmers’ Market in Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, ANCA strives to support North Country farms and small businesses, increase local food access and cultivate welcoming experiences for residents and visitors. ANCA also is working with partners to expand and develop regional markets for local producers.
Bike the Barns
Bike the Barns is a fully supported recreational road cycling tour that highlights the rich agricultural movement of the North Country. Riders are invited to stop at farm stops along the route to connect with the producers who are driving our region’s local food revolution. The ride culminates with a finish line celebration complete with local food, beverages and live music.
Featured Story
Making Things Happen at Happenchance Farm
For over 25 years, Jamie Snyder has been growing certified organic produce on his small farm in Eagle Bridge, New York. Like all North Country farmers, Jamie monitors every expense at Happenchance Farm, where he has been watching energy costs rise over the last few years. In 2024, Jamie turned to ANCA for assistance applying to the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to install a rooftop solar array that would lower the farm's electricity costs. With guidance from ANCA, Happenchance Farm secured a grant in early 2025 that would cover half the cost of the project. By summer,...
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