Hoosier Farmers Encouraged to Join 2013 Indiana Grown Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture encourages Hoosier farmers to be a part of the 2013 Indiana Grown program.
Indiana Grown was launched in March of 2012 and is a cooperative effort among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants, and ISDA to brand and promote Indiana produce and production. The program, a marketing tool for the producers and agribusinesses of Indiana, is designed to reach the growing market of consumers interested in locally grown food. “By continuing to expand this program’s membership, we will shine a spotlight on our Hoosier growers and broaden the marketplace for their products right here in Indiana,” said Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, secretary of agriculture and rural development. “Our goal is to further develop the local connections of Hoosier families with Hoosier farmers.”
For a membership application or more information, go to the Indiana Grown page on the ISDA website www.in.gov/isda or contact Jill Pritchard ISDA program manager of diversified agriculture at jpritchard@isda.in.gov or (317) 800-1700.
“I became a member of the Indiana Grown program at the launch because I was interested in the potential networking and partnership opportunities,” said Jay Hawley of Grandpa Jay’s Pork. “It has opened doors thru the Statehouse Market and I really think that many opportunities will be happening because of the new program.”