GCC Offers New View of Agri-Business

Third Annual Harvest Fest Features Educational Displays, Tasty Products, Even a "Campus Crunch"

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BATAVIA, NY (10/07/2014)(readMedia)-- The public is invited to join hundreds of GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) region high school students at the third annual Harvest Festival and Farmer's Market on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Genesee Community College. The event aims to expose students interested in careers in agriculture to all the local opportunities available in agri-business. Visitors can purchase locally produced products, from maple syrup to apples. The College will also participate in its own version of the New York Campus Crunch, a statewide celebration of local food that's healthy for people and the planet.

The event kicks off with presentations by local agri-business professionals who will offer 20-minute presentations that will run concurrently from 9:30-11 a.m. and 12-12:45 p.m. Presenters include:

• Dr. Cricket Johnson, Veterinarian

• Nancy Glazier, Small Farms/Livestock Specialist

• Tristan Zuber, Food Processing Specialist

• Jen Adams, Shepardess

• Jeanne Wormuth, CY Farms

• Kerri Richardson, Ag Educator

• Libby Gauge, Bilingual Dairy Specialist

New to Harvest Fest this year will be exhibits by Oxbo International, Perry's Ice Cream and Alpina Yogurt. They join a host of other local businesses that will have displays students can explore in the Forum from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. One of the exhibitors will be celebrating a special anniversary. The Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) marks 70 years of service to the county on October 16th and will feature some of its history in its display. "The SWCD has been a great partner to the College over the years providing internships to our students, so we're excited to celebrate this special anniversary with them at Harvest Fest," said Maureen Leupold, GCC Director of Science.

Also new in 2014 is GCC's participation in the New York Campus Crunch, a college-wide collective apple "crunch" at 12:30 p.m. in the Forum where numerous GCC departments will have contributed bushels of apples to celebrate the statewide Big Apple Crunch initiative. A number of schools and SUNY institutions are participating in the "New York Campus Crunch" on October 24, 2014 when they will bite into an apple together at noon affirming their commitment to food that is healthy for people and the planet. "We contacted the Campus Crunch planners and they were excited that GCC would conduct its Campus Crunch a week earlier in conjunction with our third annual Harvest Fest on October 16, which also happens to be World Food Day," Leupold added.

Back by popular demand will be GCC Veterinary Technology Club's popular small animal petting zoo located on the east lawn of the campus. Hosted by GCC Vet Tech students, the mini zoo will delight children as well as animal enthusiasts.

"Harvest Fest continues to draw more exhibitors and we look forward to another great crowd," said Debbie Dunlevy, GCC Career Pathways program director and festival organizer. "Students and the community-at-large learn a lot about all the programs and career opportunities that exist within agriculture in our region. And the Farmer's Market offers so many great eats and treats. It's a great time to visit GCC."

The Festival's Farmer's Market is open to all from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. "We have another great group of vendors who will be selling their wares," said Dunlevy. "So, don't forget your wallet!" Locally grown fruits and vegetables, maple products, soaps and fiber art items will be featured during the market. Vendors who plan to attend include:

• Harrington's, Batavia – vegetables and fruits

• Grateful Hearts Creation – wool, yarn,

• Harper Hill Farms, Darien – goat milk soaps

• Hofheins Maple, Attica – maple products

• Roanoke Apple Farm, Stafford – apples

• Tripleberry Farm, Kendall – blueberries, blackberries, jam, goat milk soap

• Artisans on North – variety of handmade items

• Hill 'n Hollow – variety of fruit chutney and vinegar

For more information, contact GCC Career Pathways Program Director Debbie Dunlevy at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6316, or via email: dkdunlevy@genesee.edu.

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