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.
One hundred and seventy thousand 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 or jessica.miles@state.mn.us to request an application by mail or with questions.
This information was provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
