Schoharie County Appoints Nine to Lead Farmers Market

Schoharie County has appointed nine community members to a new board tasked with launching the county's first large-scale destination farmers market in 2026.

Board members include farmers, business owners, and food system professionals: Jenni Gallaway of Cisive, Naomi Pickett of Rooted Acres LLC, James Dempsey of Acres Wild Farm, Dean Haskin of Mickle Hollow LLC, Michelle Rivera of Love Shine Tea, Megan Despres of Biscuitwood Farm, John Lawson of Whole Foods Market Northeast Region, Tanya Moyer of Mulligan Creek Acres, and Becky Leggieri, an independent consultant and volunteer.

Four additional permanent seats will go to representatives from the Schoharie County Office of Agricultural Development, Department of Health, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and SUNY Cobleskill, bringing the board to 13 members.

The county partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego and SUNY Cobleskill to form the advisory group. The board's formation followed a 12-month market analysis that gathered input from over 500 residents and farmers through surveys and listening sessions.

The board began meeting this fall and will develop policies, farmer outreach strategies, and marketing plans. Members will also select the market's location, schedule, and opening date. The county will announce those details at a later date on the Schoharie County Agricultural Development website.