Schoharie County Announces Inaugural Farmers Market Board Members

SCHOHARIE — Schoharie County, in partnership with  Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego (CCE) and SUNY Cobleskill, is  proud to announce the appointment of nine dedicated community members to the  inaugural Schoharie County Farmers Market Board, a newly created advisory group  designed to establish the County’s first destination, large scale farmers market.  

The newly appointed members bring a diverse range of expertise spanning farming,  marketing, finance, local food systems, and community engagement: 

• Jenni Gallaway, Marketer, Cisive 

• Naomi Pickett, Owner, Rooted Acres LLC 

• James Dempsey, Farmer, Acres Wild Farm 

• Dean Haskin, Owner, Mickle Hollow LLC 

• Michelle Rivera, Proprietress, Love Shine Tea 

• Megan Despres, Farmer, Biscuitwood Farm 

• John Lawson, Local Forager, Whole Foods Market Northeast Region • Tanya Moyer, Farmer, Mulligan Creek Acres 

• Becky Leggieri, Independent Consultant & Volunteer 

In addition, four permanent seats will be held by representatives from the Office of  Agricultural Development, Department of Health, CCE Schoharie and Otsego, and  SUNY Cobleskill, bringing the total to 13 board members. Together, these individuals will  guide the development of the Schoharie County Farmers Market, helping to support local  producers, increase access to farm-fresh food, and promote agriculture as a vital part of  the county’s identity and economy.

“The establishment of this board marks an exciting step forward for Schoharie County’s  local food system,” said Caroline Myran, Agricultural Development Specialist for  Schoharie County. “Each of these members brings valuable experience and a shared  passion for supporting our farmers, entrepreneurs and connecting residents with locally  grown products. We are so excited to roll up our sleeves and get to work!” 

This announcement comes at the end of a robust 12-month market analysis process, in  which the County and its partners gathered input from over 500 residents and farmers  through surveys and in-person listening sessions. The Farmers Market Board has already  begun meeting this fall to plan for the 2026 season. Over the coming months, the group will  focus on developing policies, farmer outreach strategies, marketing and finalizing the  location and date/time of the market. An announcement on final location, day and time,  and market opening will be forthcoming.  

For updates and more information about the Schoharie County Farmers Market initiative,  please visit https://www.schohariecounty 

ny.gov/departments/agricultural_development/farmers_market_project/index.php