For immediate release:
June 22, 2009

Contact:
Elizabeth Rapuano: 212-440-2205 | erapuano@empire.state.ny.us


Governors Island Adds Sustainable Farm at Picnic Point   
Added Value farm is most recent addition to Picnic Point – area of eight acres of green space, hammocks, and stunning views

Farm to grow squash, eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, beets, and more

Governors Island will be home to New York City’s newest three acre sustainable farm, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) today announced. The farm will be operated by the non-profit organization Added Value and will provide a unique amenity for Island visitors. It will be open to the public and will offer free educational programming.

“We are so pleased that Added Value has crossed the Buttermilk Channel from Brooklyn to bring a farm to Governors Island,” said GIPEC Chair Avi Schick. “The farm provides Governors Island visitors with a wide array of educational programs and opportunities never before available.”

“New York City has implemented an ambitious healthy food policy agenda to address high rates of obesity and diabetes which often go hand-in-hand with high rates of poverty,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs. “Increasing access to wholesome, healthy foods is crucial part of our efforts and the Added Value Farm on Governors Island provides a wonderful opportunity for more New Yorkers to learn about growing organic foods and eating well.”

Added Value staff and volunteers will provide Governors Island visitors with educational programming, teaching visitors about sustainable farming. The farm will also be open for “farm days” which will allow local children’s groups and camps to visit the farm and learn about how it works. In addition, during the harvest months, Added Value will operate a farm stand, selling produce grown on Governors Island. They will plant heirloom tomatoes, dozens of varieties of eggplants, squash, and lettuce. Produce grown will also be sold to Water Taxi Beach, Governors Island’s newest tenant. Water Taxi Beach will use the greens and produce in their food concession. Planting for the farm will begin on Friday, June 19.

“We are so pleased to bring an Added Value farm to Governors Island,” said Ian Marvy, co-founder of Added Value. “We look forward to introducing the Island’s visitors to a working urban farm, having them take part in educational programs that will teach them about the impact of sustainable farming, and of course, give them the opportunity to take something delicious home from the farm.”

The farm is located at Picnic Point, an area that was first opened to the public this year. Last fall, GIPEC demolished former Coast Guard housing in this area to create this area, which has an additional eight acres of open green space for visitors to enjoy. The farm offers unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor, and will be situated adjacent to an area that was never before open to the public prior to this year.

Governors Island is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 30 to October 11. Visitors take a free seven minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan to Governors Island. On the Island, visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts, public art, an artist-designed mini-golf course, bike riding and more. Last year, more than 128,000 people came to Governors Island, a 125% increase over the previous year. The ferry ride and admission to the Island are free.

About the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC)
The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) is responsible for the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. A partnership of New York City and New York State, GIPEC seeks to bring Governors Island back to life, making this island at the center of New York Harbor a destination with great public open space, as well as future education, not for profit and commercial facilities. For more information please visit www.govisland.com.

About Added Value
Added Value is a non-profit organization promoting the sustainable development of Red Hook by nurturing a new generation of young leaders. We work towards this goal by creating opportunities for the youth of South Brooklyn to expand their knowledge base, develop new skills and positively engage with their community through the operation of a socially responsible urban farming enterprise. For more information, visit www.added-value.org.