Erie County Legislators Joe Lorigo, John Mills, Ed Rath, and Frank Todaro are encouraging the public to support local farmers by using the County’s new Erie Grown website.

Erie Grown can be accessed here and includes a farm locator map and fresh produce finder to help customers identify farm stands and other sites to purchase locally made farm products. The website also features other resources to help agricultural businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legislator Lorigo said, “Farming is one of the many industries suffering because of the COVID-19 outbreak. I always encourage Erie County residents to support local farms, but right now it is especially important. There are a number of these locations throughout my legislative district and all of Erie County to choose from.  This new website is a great feature to help many of these agricultural businesses in need of our support.”

Legislator Mills said, “Erie County is home to hundreds of family-owned farms that work hard to put food on our tables. One way we can help our farmers is by purchasing locally produced goods. When you decide to shop local, you support small farms and businesses while giving a boost to our economy. This is something we should all consider during these challenging times. Erie Grown makes that easier by identifying places to buy fresh produce and a number of other great, locally-made goods. I also encourage residents to check out southtownsfarmtrail.org for additional resources promoting agritourism in the Southtowns.”

Legislator Rath said, “Local farms are struggling right now and suffering financial loss because of the COVID-19 outbreak.  This is all the more reason for us to seek out locally made produce. Erie Grown helps identify growers in our community in need of our support. I encourage everyone to use this resource during these difficult times.”

Legislator Todaro said, “Farmers need all the help they can get right now after dealing with significant losses due to COVID-19. Erie Grown is a great resource ready to help us find family farms, farmers markets, and other locations selling produce and other goods. Please consider checking out this new feature in support of our local farming community.”

Growers not included on the map can fill out an online form requesting to be added. That form can also be found on www.erie.gov/eriegrown.