Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation Receives Farm-to-Table Leadership Award

The Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC), a ten-year-old business development corporation based in Hudson (Columbia County), New York, received the 2017 Valley Table Farm-to-Table Leadership Award for its outstanding work advancing agriculture in the Hudson Valley. The award was presented at an event marking the kickoff of The Valley Table’s Spring Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.

Presenting the award to HVADC Executive Director Todd Erling, Janet Crawshaw, publisher of The Valley Table magazine and founder of Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, cited HVADC’s “leadership and vision in strengthening local agriculture,” noting, “It’s rare that the words ‘agriculture’ and ‘business’ are uttered in the same sentence . . . but since 2007, HVADC has worked with more than 180 ag-related businesses. Its list of success stories reads like a Who’s Who of signature Hudson Valley businesses, including Hudson Valley Fresh, Ronnybrook Farm and Stone Barns Center for Agriculture.”

Founded by Janet Crawshaw and Jerry Novesky in 1998, The Valley Table magazine celebrates the agricultural heritage and cuisine of the Hudson Valley. The magazine and its programs, including Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, connects producers, purveyors, restaurateurs, chefs and consumers across the region in order to drive the "eat & drink local" movement.

The Farm-to-Table Leadership Award was established in 2013 to recognize leaders in building farm-to-table connections. Previous recipients of the annual award include Dr. Tim Ryan, President of the Culinary Institute of America; Sam Simon of Hudson Valley Fresh; John Novi, chef/owner of the Depuy Canal House; and Peter Kelly, chef/owner of Xaviars Restaurant Group.

“Valley Table, Jerry and Janet have always been ahead of the curve in promoting farm-to-table businesses and agritourism in the Hudson Valley, and we are appreciative of their support of HVADC and our clients,” said Erling. “To be included in the company of the caliber, dedication, and leadership of the prior winners of this award is quite remarkable, and it’s especially gratifying to have HVADC’s work acknowledged along with such a group,” he continued.

Attending the award presentation were chefs and restaurants participating in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, along with nearly two dozen farm purveyors, including eight farm businesses that are participating in HVADCs Farm and Food Business Accelerator Program , and are now offering products for sales to restaurants: Argyle Cheese Factory (Washington County), Fishkill Farms (Dutchess County), The Green Onion (Orange County), Lavenlair Farm (Washington County), Les Collines (Columbia County), Minkus Family Farms (Orange Country), Raspberry Fields Farm (Ulster County) and Soukup Farms (Dutchess County).

Photo:HVADC Executive Director Todd Erling accepts Leadership Award from The Valley Table and Hudson Valley Restaurant Week founders Jerry Novesky and Janet Crawshaw.

About Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC):

The HVADC is the region’s sole economic development agency with a specific focus on the viability of the agricultural economy in the Hudson Valley. It assists both new and existing agri-businesses such as farms, food businesses and food distributors, by providing technical and business consultation and resources. The non-profit promotes balanced, market-based solutions that lead to enhanced agricultural entrepreneurship, rural economic growth and community enhancement. For more information, please visit: www.Hvadc.org.