NORWICH MEADOWS FARM LLC IS LEADING A COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS TO ESTABLISH A SPECIALIZED FOOD HUB CENTERED IN CHENANGO COUNTY CENTRAL NEW YORK DESIGNED TO CONNECT UPSTATE NEW YORK PRODUCERS WITH MAJOR METROPOLITAN MARKETS. THIS PROJECT WILL RESULT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STRATEGICALLY LOCATED FOOD HUB INCORPORATING BOTH PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND VIRTUAL COMPONENTS TO EFFICIENTLY MANAGE THE FLOW OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. THE HUB WILL FACILITATE THE ENGAGEMENT OF FARMERS RANCHERS AND PROCESSORS OFFERING A CONDUIT TO REACH SIGNIFICANT CONSUMER DEMAND IN LARGER MARKETS. THE PROJECT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FACILITY OPTIMIZED FOR HANDLING AND DISTRIBUTION SUPPORTING THE SPECIALIZED NEEDS OF SMALLSCALE PRODUCERS. ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES INCLUDE INCREASED ACCESS TO LOCAL FOOD FOR CONSUMERS AND ENHANCED MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL STAKEHOLDERS. THE PROJECT WILL FOCUS ON MINIMIZING WASTE AND OPTIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY THROUGHOUT THE SUPPLY CHAIN. THIS INITIATIVE AIMS TO STRENGTHEN THE REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM IMPROVING ACCESS TO FRESH PRODUCTS AND BOLSTERING THE VIABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES WITHIN CHENANGO COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.