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'Buy local' efforts could get state grants for promotions

Posted 1/12/12

New and existing regional “buy local” food and agricultural campaigns throughout the state could benefit from $200,000 in USDA funds to support them. New York State Agriculture Commissioner …

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'Buy local' efforts could get state grants for promotions

Posted

New and existing regional “buy local” food and agricultural campaigns throughout the state could benefit from $200,000 in USDA funds to support them.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine said the program is funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant and coordinated by the state’s Pride of New York Program.

“There’s no doubt that consumers want to buy locally produced food,” the Aubertine said. “What we have found is that regional ‘buy local’ campaigns further raise the profile of local products in a specific region and they often have the opportunity to provide a range of services and activities that help local producers market their products and assist consumers in identifying local products.”

The goal of the Regional “Buy Local” Campaign Development Program is to increase consumer awareness, increase recognition in the marketplace, and increase sales of locally produced foods and agricultural products.

Eligible proposals must reflect a region’s geography, agricultural production, local cultural identity and other unique attributes or specialties. They must help promote a broad-range of USDA-defined specialty crops, and they must also work with other regional “buy local” campaigns in the state, as well as the Pride of New York Program.

Each of the 11 agricultural regions in the state is eligible to receive $18,550, of which $2,800 is allocated to create a regional brand, and up to $2,750 for the development of a marketing and media plan. The remaining $13,000 can be used for implementing the marketing plan, which can include advertisements, promotional materials, website design, public outreach and more. As part of the grant award, the Department of Agriculture and Markets will provide professional and creative services for each region to help develop their regional brands, create individual websites and develop a multi-year marketing plan.

Government entities, not-for-profits, tourism boards and Industrial Development Authorities are all eligible to apply. Applications are available online at www.agriculture.ny.gov or by calling (518) 457-7229.

Applications are due by Feb. 23.