November 18, 2011

Growth in AgriMissouri Program means More Opportunities, Expanded Services for Buying Local

By marketing Missouri products to consumers at home and abroad, the AgriMissouri program has reached new heights this year offering more connections between farmers and consumers. Since January, AgriMissouri has grown from 350 members to more than 1,300 - which represents thousands of products now at the consumer's fingertips at AgriMissouri.com.

"We continue to look for ways for Missourians to become more connected to agriculture. Whether it is sourcing a favorite local jam or jelly, visiting a farmers' market or taking the family to a pumpkin patch, AgriMissouri is helping make those connections for families," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "It is vital for all consumers to know where their food comes from and to appreciate the importance that we continue to grow food here at home in the U.S."

This year, a redesigned AgriMissouri.com was launched making it easier for consumers to reach locally-grown and Missouri-made products. The site features everything from Missouri wines, chocolates and candies to honey, jams and jellies and a wide variety of beef and pork products. In addition, visitors can also find agritourism experiences including public garden locations, Christmas tree farms, local food restaurants and bed & breakfasts.

Through the AgriMissouri program, our state's agricultural producers and business owners receive marketing, promotional and website support, involvement in the program's bar code cooperative for retail sales, participation opportunities and assistance during special events like the Missouri State Fair and Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture, as well as training and educational programs to help their businesses grow.

For producers, the new AgriMissouri.com also means new opportunities to connect with Missourians, through the online directory of products and services, business profiles and pages and social media.

For more information on the AgriMissouri program, or to find a Missouri-made product or destination, visit http://AgriMissouri.com.