SUFFOLK CO., N.Y. — The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning has announced that the County is looking for a private operator to modernize and commercialize an existing meat processing facility at the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. The meat processing facility consists of one building, measuring approximately 31’ x 120’ located in the center of the 200+ acre Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. As part of this Request for Proposals, there is also the option to license approximately 25 acres within the 200+ acre Farm, available for agricultural production in accordance with the definition of that term under New York State law.
The global COVID-19 pandemic exposed local and national breakages in the food supply chain. Demand for interim processing facilities, particularly those smaller and more nimble, gained increased relevance from both an economic sustainability and a food resiliency perspective. These supply chains breakages were felt acutely in both the agricultural and fishing communities and the Department will entertain proposals that can serve either or both of these industries. The Department believes a meat-based or seafood based processor in Yaphank could provide processing outlets that will keep hardworking farmers and fishers productive during future food supply disruptions, in addition to providing a consistent additional economic development opportunities for local farmers or fishers.
Following recommendations made in the 2015 Suffolk County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Plan, privatization of this facility will eliminate facility maintenance costs from County tax rolls and provide an economic boost for the local livestock industry. There are currently no meat processing or fish processing facilities in Suffolk County. Livestock farmers who want to sell meat to consumers or restaurants must first transport animals to upstate New York or other nearby states for processing. This ultimately stresses the animal, leading to poorer meat quality, raises production costs and reduces overall profits for local farmers. Likewise, fishermen typically ship their fish to the New Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx, only to see some of that product returned to local Suffolk County seafood markets and restaurants.
A Proposer’s Conference and Farmlands and Facility Tour (non-mandatory) will be held on June 2nd at 1pm. RSVPs are required to attend. Please email Tom Malanga at tom.malanga@suffolkcountyny.gov by Wednesday, May 26, 2021 with the Subject Line: RSVP for RFP May 28 Meeting and your contact information to attend.
Go to https://suffolkcountyny.bonfirehub.com/portal/ to view the offering and register to participate in this opportunity. Proposals are due July 2nd.
–Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing details of a framework to transform the food system to benefit consumers, producers and rural communities by providing more options, increasing access, and creating new, more, and better markets for small and mid-size producers. Today’s announcement builds on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and […]
MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s (OCA) Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program wrapped up the 2021-2022 BEST season on May 7 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. More than 800 BEST exhibitors and families gathered to watch youth receive awards for their show success, cattle industry knowledge, photography skills, community service efforts and […]
SUFFOLK CO., N.Y. — Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone recently announced the 100 for 10 Farmland Preservation Initiative that will invest $100 million over the next 10 years to preserve the remaining at-risk farms across the county and encourage inter-municipal cooperation. The new funding program, which was included in the County Executive’s proposed Capital Budget […]
COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s been a long and winding road to the Governor’s desk for Senate Bill 52, the controversial bill on siting and approval of large-scale wind and solar facilities in Ohio. The bill generated opposition and concern from the outset, requiring a major overhaul early on. A substitute bill passed the Senate on June […]
MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Awards and prizes filled the stage as families gathered to commemorate an unusual year at the annual Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) BEST (Beef Exhibitor Show Total) awards banquet held on May 1 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus. Over 350 BEST exhibitors were awarded for their show success, cattle industry knowledge, […]
