Attract more customers to your local farm or market – Minnesota Grown Directory seeking new listings
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is updating its popular statewide Minnesota Grown Directory of farms and farmers markets selling directly to consumers. Minnesota producers who grow or raise products, and those selling directly to consumers, are eligible to list in the Directory. The 2015 edition had a recording breaking 1,027 farms and farmers markets, which the MDA aims to exceed again.
Each April, a minimum of 150,000 copies of the Minnesota Grown Directory are distributed statewide at tourist centers, libraries, chambers of commerce, farms, and retailers. Farms should sign up before the January 31, 2016 deadline and advertise in the printed Directory to also be included in the online edition. The site, www.minnesotagrown.com is extremely popular and has nearly 300,000 unique annual visitors.
“The demand for local foods has increased dramatically over the last few years and we are the best source to discover a nearby farm or market,” said Agricultural Marketing Specialist for the Minnesota Grown Program, Jessica Miles. “Our Directory is the most comprehensive and commonly used guide to local foods, fibers and fun available in Minnesota.”
A sensible $60 investment entitles farmers to an entire year’s worth of advertising for both online and print. This includes access to other great Minnesota Grown member-only benefits, like the use of the trademarked logo and free stickers, price cards, and other promotional items. The membership deadline is January 31, 2016.
The Program has more than 1,200 members, representing fruit and vegetable farms, livestock producers, farmers markets, CSA farms, orchards, garden centers, farm wineries, Christmas tree growers, and many more.
Potential new members may download an application or sign up and pay online at www.minnesotagrown.com. Simply click on the “Become a Member” link beneath the “Members & Retailers” drop-down menu. You can also contact Jessica Miles with questions (651-201-6170 jessica.miles@state.mn.us) and to request an application by mail.
CONTACT: Michael Crusan, MDA Communications
651-201-6629, michael.crusan@state.mn.us