Supporting Local Farmers, Buying Kentucky Proud
Last night, Jane and I had the chance to host a Kentucky Proud dinner at the Mansion for over 70 health care, education, local and state officials.
The purpose of our dinner was not only to showcase the amazing bounty that our Kentucky farmers produce, but to encourage guests to find ways to use local foods in their everyday lives and carry the message back to their respective institutions, encouraging employees and clients to do the same.
Kentucky Proud is the state's official farm marketing program. Established in 2004, it has grown from just under two dozen members in 2004 to about 1,500 today.
University of Kentucky economists estimated last year that in its first three years, the program has resulted in almost $5.00 in new net farm income for every $1.00 invested. According to KDA figures, retailers participating in the Kentucky Proud program sold over $100 million in Kentucky food and agricultural products last year.
Let's do our part to help our local Kentucky farmers and their families.
I challenge all of you to join Jane and me in a "30-day Challenge" to incorporate more local foods in your daily lives.
Buying local is as easy as looking for the Kentucky Proud label at your grocery store, farmers' market, or roadside stand. Visit www.kyagr.com/kyproud/ to find Kentucky Proud products or to locate a farmers' market near you.
Click the "Feedback" button to let me know what you are doing to add more local foods to your meals, as well as tell others about the importance of local eating.
I'll be posting some of the reader suggestions here on the blog as a way to share insight and tips. Eating locally and Kentucky Proud is all about community. I'm excited that Jane and I are helping to lead the way.