Sectors: Agriculture/Food Production, Distribution, Processing, Transportation

Colin Erdle is a sixth generation farmer and a partner of Erdle Farms in Silver Creek, New York. Erdle Farms grows blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and Concord grapes. They are a part of Welch’s cooperative, participate in the Elmwood Farmer’s Market, distribute their produce to local and regional markets, and operate a U-Pick program at their farm. Colin feels that there are disconnects between state level policies and farming practices. He identifies the lack of communications between sectors of the food system and a lack of transporters in the area as being major issues. He also recognizes the difficulties new farmers face in starting up their operations due to costs of equipment and land.