Above: Rob Birdsall, Land Conservation Specialist, Watershed Agricultural Council, poses for his best Cauliflower Lady impression. "I Buy Local because...I come from a long line of farm families."
As the Pure Catskills Buy Local campaigns enters its 10th year, we want your help celebrating why we buy local. Yes, it's time to bare all and show us your cauliflowers!
In 50 words or less, tell us why you love local food (or your local farmer) and send us a photo to commemorate the Pure Catskills distinctive logo.
We're created photos of Watershed Agricultural Council staffers sharing their own renditions of the Cauliflower Lady. We want to see your versions, too.
It's easy - grab a friend, a camera and two cauliflowers, pose, snap, and email the picture to us at waccommunications@gmail.com.
Or stop by the Watershed Agricultural Council's booth at the Delaware County Fair, from August 13 to August 18, to pose in front of our "Pure Catskills" backdrop. You can write your comment on our "Why I Buy Local" graffiti board.
Three user-submitted photos and comments will be selected as part of a regional Pure Catskills campaign in the coming year. By entering a photo and comment, you give the Watershed Agricultural Council/Watershed Post permission to use your image and quote for promotional purposes. Winners will receive a tee shirt, cap and Pure Catskills goodie basket.
But why cauliflowers?
In the early 20th century, farmers in the Catskills Region were frequently photographed holding two large heads of cauliflower. They were proud of the crop that could send their children to college, pay off the mortgage, and supplement the family farm. Almost every farm in the region planted some of this "white gold" to supplement its income.
Marketing cooperatives, working together to increase efficiency and maximize profit, created distinctive labels for their wooden cauliflower shipping crates. Pure Catskills logo is based on a label representing the Walton-Hamden Cauliflower Growers Cooperative -- it's the familiar lady-with-cauliflower image you see on participating Pure Catskills member farms, products and retail locations throughout the region.
So, help us celebrate regional farmers, local food, and everything Pure Catskills! Submit your photo today!
Below: Nate Townsend, Engineering Specialist, Watershed Agricultural Council says, "I Buy Local because...fresh cauliflower makes me happy. I can't control myself."
Below: Elaine Poulin, WAP Procurement/Contract Officer.
