Mike Kokas and Jan Greer started Upstate Farms in 1989 when the only local produce accessible to NYC restaurants was cabbage, corn, and commodity items coming out of Hunts Point. At that time, fresh local produce was hard to get, the selection was limited, and the quality was inconsistent. Mike and Jan saw an opportunity to connect NYC restaurants with the bounty of NY State farms. Thus, Upstate Farms was born.

Eighteen years later, Upstate Farms is going strong, delivering food grown on small family farms in upstate New York to many of New York City’s most well-known chefs. We now distribute products from as many as 25 farmers, and our network represents thousands of acres of farmland throughout NY state.

In addition to our distribution services, we also grow vegetables and forage for wild edibles on our own farm, Paisley Farm.