ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is updating its
popular, statewide, Minnesota Grown Directory filled with direct to consumer
farms and farmers markets. Membership and Directory listing are open to
Minnesota producers who grow or raise products. The 2014 edition promoted 978
farms and farmers markets. Minnesota Grown has more than 1,200 members
including fruit and vegetable farms, livestock producers, farmers markets, CSA
farms, orchards, garden centers, farm wineries, Christmas tree growers and
more.
170,000 copies of the Minnesota Grown Directory are
released annually in April and distributed statewide in tourist centers,
libraries, chambers of commerce, farms, and retailers. Farms who advertise in
the printed Directory are also included in the online edition, which was
redesigned and had more than 290,000 unique visitors in 2014. The new, mobile
friendly, website was improved to simplify searches for Minnesota products and
farms.
“The demand for local foods has increased dramatically
the last few years,” said Ag Marketing Specialist with the Minnesota Grown
Program, Jessica Miles. “Our Directory is the most comprehensive and commonly
used guide to local foods and plants available in Minnesota. It’s also becoming
an excellent resource for family activity ideas and learning opportunities.”
While memberships are accepted year-round, farms must
sign up or call Jessica Miles by February 6, 2015 to be included in the 2015
printed Directory.
“For $60 farmers can get an entire year’s worth of
advertising both online and in print,” said Miles. “They’ll also have access to
other great Minnesota Grown member-only benefits, such as use of the
trademarked logo and FREE stickers, price cards and other promotional items.
Just don’t delay and call right away because the deadline to be included in the
printed Directory is February 6, 2015.”
Potential new members may sign up and pay online by
clicking on the “Members & Retailers” tab at www.minnesotagrown.com,
then clicking on “Become a Member” or contact Jessica Miles at 651-201-6170, jessica.miles@state.mn.us to request an application by mail or
with questions.
