Jack Riffle

Executive Director

Jack Riffle’s dedication to agriculture and community has brought him to the Farmers Market Federation of New York, though this destination wasn't always clear to see. Despite growing up surrounded by agriculture, farming never occurred to him as a possible vocation. After attending Hamilton College, he spent six years teaching in Boston and New York City.

His increasing awareness of social inequality, issues around food justice, and the climate crisis led him to leave teaching and apprentice on a farm in Westmoreland, New York. After two seasons in Westmoreland, he transitioned to managing a farm and education center in New Hampshire. 

Though the COVID-19 pandemic ended his stay there prematurely, his time in New Hampshire planted the seed of an idea that is currently blooming as Local Foods Mohawk Valley — a local food collective based in Clinton that encourages community access to local food year-round and reduces farmers' opportunity costs of selling and marketing their products.

When he isn't behind a computer, he enjoys hiking in the Adirondacks with his wife, playing chess, and walking his dog.