CATSKILL, New York – To showcase the bounty of its farms, farmer's markets, vineyards and pick-your-own fruit and vegetable stands, Greene County has published a new "Guide to Farm Fresh Products."

The colorful guide provides a map and detailed information on 39 different outlets offering agriculture-related products, as well as lists four major farmer's markets. In addition, the pamphlet includes a product directory and harvest calendar, making it easy for people to know where and when they can find everything from fresh berries to honey.

"Greene County has been one of America's breadbaskets since the early 1800s," said Daniela Marino, Director of the Greene County Tourism Promotion Department, which spearheaded development of the guide in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension. "Our visitors – especially from more urban areas – love to pick their own produce, stop at farm stands for baked goods and unique gifts and discover restaurants that serve local seasonal specialties from fresh fish to venison and duck."

Beyond being a helpful resource for visitors, the guide is also designed to encourage residents of Greene County to "buy local," according to Ms. Marino. "With the 'locavore' trend sweeping the country where people are trying to eat food grown close to home both because it tastes good and because it's better for the environment, we thought this guide would be helpful to our residents, too, who sometimes are unaware of all the farm-fresh options in their own backyards," she commented.

The free guide is available at the I Love New York Tourism Info Center at Exit 21 in Catskill off the New York State Thruway, as well as at other state tourism centers in the region.

For more information, please call the Greene County Tourism Promotion Department at 1-800-355-2287 or visit www.GreeneTourism.com.