Indiana Grown, New Brand for Hoosier Farm Products

The idea of an Indiana grown brand has been around longer than the Daniels administration. Indiana hardwood has had its own brand for several years, Surrounding states have had such programs, but now Indiana grown food products can be branded as Indiana Grown.

On Friday, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman unveiled the program that she said will help consumers buy Indiana-produced food, “This program will provide the visual recognition long needed to better showcase the wide variety of fresh, high quality foods and products our Hoosier growers have to offer.” Indiana Grown is a cooperative effort among farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to brand and promote Indiana produce and production. “Our goal is to help families from not only here in our state but around the globe easily identify and buy Indiana-grown products,” Skillman added.

The program is open to a wide variety of products. The application lists over 100 products plus has an “other” category. Membership into the Indiana Grown program is via an application and acceptance by ISDA. All farm producers, specialty food producers, and others engaged in the production of agricultural products in Indiana are eligible to apply. Consumers will be able to find the logo at farmers’ markets, retail outlets, and on-line web sites.

Jessica Smith, with This Old Farm cooperative, says the program will be a big help for her over 70 growers, “We are very excited to have our growers involved in this new program.” The announcement, made Friday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, comes in conjunction with the start of the Indiana Artisan Marketplace.