Amagansett Food Institute Will Run Amagansett Farmers Market

The Amagansett Food Institute has signed a lease with the Peconic Land Trust to run the Amagansett Farmers Market at 367 Main Street in Amagansett, with a planned opening on Aug. 1, 2015.

The market was run for the past six years by Manhattan restaurateur Eli Zabar, but the Peconic Land Trust, which owns the property, issued a request for proposals this year when Mr. Zabar’s lease was up.

AFI plans to operate the Market as a retail food destination, community hub and gathering place, presenting local produce and other products made by East End and New York State food producers.

“We are thrilled to be able to showcase the best of East End produce and food products and look forward to working with the community to bring more awareness of local food and food related issues,” said Kathleen Masters, the Executive Director of the Amagansett Food Institute.

AFI’s offerings at the market will include produce from AFI member farms and products prepared in commercial incubator kitchen at Stony Brook Southampton, known as South Fork Kitchens.

AFI also plans to bring food-based education to the market through a series of events, and educational materials integrated throughout the market.

The programming will be tailored towards reintroducing visitors to seasonality and to a more traditional relationship with food, and will address issues including food waste, food insecurity, health and nutrition and sustainability.

The AFI educational center at the market will also operate as an information resource center where visitors can learn more about East End agricultural practices and operations.

“We look forward to working with Kathy and her team at the Amagansett Food Institute, as we continue to support our local farming community through diverse programming, including farmland protection and access to farmland for both new and established farm operations through both lease and sale,” said Peconic Land Trust Vice President Pam Greene.