Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops Friendly Markets is the first grocery retailer to feature and market product grown by farmers who adhere to the New York State Grown & Certified program. The program, according to a news release, includes verification of safe food handling practices and participation in environmental sustainability programs.
A pilot of the program launched at a Tops store in Erie county featuring herbs, cabbage and acorn and butternut squash from Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions.
The department of agriculture expects a total of 145 Tops stores to start promoting the NYS Grown & Certified program in the coming weeks. A Facebook page and promotional videos accompany the program.
“Partnering with local growers is something that Tops takes great pride in and the New York State Grown & Certified Program embraces this valuable relationship,” said John Persons, president and chief operating officer of Tops Friendly Markets, in a news release. “This initiative allows us to continue to offer our customers the very best produce that our state has to offer and we're proud to stand behind this program and the farmers that harvest these bountiful crops.”