COLUMBUS, Ind. — After one year of operation, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture says the “Indiana Grown” initiative is a success. The effort now has 500 members and 38 partners. State Ag Director Ted McKinney says the overwhelming response to the program demonstrates the economic viability of the local food movement. Partners include the Kroger Co. and Marsh Supermarkets. Efforts are underway now to establish partnerships with Wal-Mart and Meijer.
In order to sustain the growth of program, they plan to focus on “ready-made” items, restaurant, winery and brewery connections, and even non-food collaborations like they do with the Indiana hardwood industry. Because of natural crop cycles, diversity is an important consideration for future growth. Greenhouses that can facilitate year-round vegetable production are being considered.
Local members include Fleming Family Beef, White Creek Farms, Charlie’s Premium, Bear Wallow Distillery and Black Jewel Popcorn.
There are four degrees of Hoosier goods in the program:
- 100% Indiana: must be grown in Indiana, all ingredients must come from Indiana, and all packaging must be done in the Hoosier state.
- Prepared in Indiana: ingredients can be sourced from anywhere, but all production must be done here.
- Partner: company or institution must assist in marketing Indiana grown products and members.
- Indiana Grown: applies to all other Indiana Grown members, such as individuals.
There is no cost for producers to become an Indiana Grown member.
