The 2023 holiday season is in full swing! We’re sharing 12 ways you can bring a local touch to your holiday gift giving and seasonal celebrations. Before we dive in, check out our first-ever Onondaga Grown ornament available for purchase.
Browse our entire online store filled with apparel for all ages and styles. From canvas tote bags to polo shirts, each item features the Onondaga Grown logo.
Day 1 – Choose a Local Tree
If you haven’t already, it’s time to get your Christmas tree at one of the 18 tree farms in Onondaga County. Plus, our county is ranked #1 in all of New York state for the amount of Christmas trees sold (according to the 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture), so you know you’ll have a great selection to choose from. Definitely call ahead, but at most farms, you can either cut down your own tree or select from pre-cut options.
Day 2 – Explore a Winter Farmers Market
You may be surprised to learn that some farmers markets run all year round. After all, there are still fresh vegetables being harvested right now – and will continue to be ready through the winter.
It all comes down to some farms using “high tunnels” which are large tents and covers that extend the growing season by protecting crops from wind and cold.
You can find just-harvested winter greens and root vegetables at winter farmers markets. Thanks to cold storage, locally grown apples are crisp, delicious, and available now as well.
Three indoor farmers markets are open now until spring: The CNY Regional Market on Saturdays, the Winter Market at Baltimore Woods held every second Saturday of the month, and the Fayetteville Farmers Market on Thursdays.
Day 3 – Help Preserve Farmland in Onondaga County
We can’t take farmland for granted. Between 2001 and 2016, over 250,000 acres of farmland in New York state were lost or fragmented, putting our state in the top 20 states at risk for permanently lost farmland.
Yet, there is hope – thanks to land trusts. These non-profit organizations have helped many farms in Onondaga County ensure their land remains designated agricultural land…forever.
You can get involved by donating to or volunteering with a land trust. Start by learning how land trusts help local farms like Clover Hill Farm – and then help spread the word that farmland is worth protecting.
Day 4 – Support Local Dairy Farms
You can make a big difference for local farmers with your everyday habits. What type of dairy brands you buy matter. Here’s why…
Many of the 63 dairy farms sell their milk to dairy cooperatives. Dairy cooperatives combine milk from multiple farms and then sell that milk to big brands like Kraft. Other dairy farms will sell their milk to one large dairy brand. For example, Barbland Dairy in Fabius sells to Chobani while Tre-G Farms in Pompey sells to Organic Valley.
We’ve put together a helpful guide that lists out all the brands that buy milk from our local dairies in Onondaga County. Check it out so you can support local dairy farmers!
Day 5 – Shop at Farm Stores
Speaking of ways to support dairy farms, why not shop at a local store run by a farm family? Many Onondaga County farms also run small farm stores. Many of these are dairy farms, too. For example, the family that owns the Silver Spring Dairy Farm in Onondaga Hill also runs Silver Spring Farm Market on West Seneca Turnpike. View our map for a complete list of farm stores.
Day 6 – Say Cheers to Local Beer
Local brews make great gifts: Whether it’s a four-pack of artfully designed cans or a “growler” (a large jug) freshly filled with what’s on tap. Join us and say cheers to local beers. After all, by our count, there are 23 breweries here in Onondaga County. Use our handy map to find your new favorite brewery!
Day 7 – Get in the Holiday “Spirit”
In addition to a thriving local beer scene, Onondaga County is home to a handful of distilleries, cideries, and wineries. In fact, Last Shot Distillery in Skaneateles even won a major competition on the Discovery Channel!
In Skaneateles, you’ll also find Anyela’s Vineyards, one of two wineries in Onondaga County and a featured stop on our 2023 ON Farm Fest tour. The other winery is Lakeland Winery, on State Fair Boulevard in the Town of Geddes.
At 1911 Established, located on the Beak and Skiff campus, you can get a taste of both distilled spirits and hard ciders.
Day 8 – Buy Meat Direct From a Local Farm
It’s never been easier to bring local meat to your table. There are 19 farms in Onondaga County that raise beef, chicken, and lamb – and sell directly to people like you. Some farms – like Albanese Longhorns – even have stores on site where you can walk in and purchase meat. Other farms ask that you order ahead. Either way, these 19 farms are eager for you to discover just how much tastier local meat can be!
Day 9 – Lift Up Local Restaurants
Not all local restaurants go the extra mile to buy from farmers and producers in Onondaga County. That’s why we’ve gathered up the ones who do and put them in one place…this helpful restaurant map!
In the mood for a great steak? Head to Scotch n’ Sirloin where the menu features beef from Gridley’s Cold Spring Beef Farm in Fayetteville. Or, if you’re craving a hearty soup, don’t miss the corn chowder soup at Inn of the Seasons in Onondaga Hill. Corn from Delaney Farms down the road is frozen immediately after harvest and served year round in this iconic soup. These are just a couple of examples of the many collaborations between local farms and restaurants.
Day 10 – Indulge in Something Sweet
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck. Onondaga County has many maple producers who sell at local markets, farm stores, gift shops, and even directly to buyers on location at the sugar bush!
There are also many honey producers in Onondaga County, most of which sell their honey directly to consumers or at farmers markets and farm stores in the area. To purchase local honey, your best bet is to contact a honey producer to find out where they sell their products.
Here’s a list of all local maple and honey producers.
Day 11 – Nominate a Local Farmer…or Local Champion!
Since the Onondaga Grown campaign kicked off 9 years ago, we’ve featured over 55 farmers in our “Farmer Friday” series on Facebook. If you know of a farmer who deserves the spotlight, just send us a message on Facebook or email us at [email protected]. We have also recently launched the Local Champion campaign, spotlighting businesses that buy products directly from farmers and producers. From restaurants to retailers, if there’s a business that goes the extra mile to purchase local goods…let us know!
In 2023, we added another exciting campaign to the mix: the Onondaga Grown AGvocate! This is someone who is a “voice” for local agriculture. Have someone you’d like to nominate to be featured? Let us know!
Day 12 – Resolve to Buy Local in 2024
Add some local flair to your New Year’s resolutions. Make a commitment to incorporate Onondaga Grown products into your life in 2024. It could be shopping at a farmers market once a month. Or, why not order meat for a special occasion directly from a farmer? Even a small effort can make a big difference to the 600+ farms and their families.
From all of us involved in the Onondaga Grown campaign, we wish you a happy holiday season and wonderful year ahead in 2024!
