The 2008 salmonella outbreak sent many
Kentucky consumers to their local farmers’ markets for fresh Kentucky Proud produce grown by their fellow Kentuckians.
“When you buy Kentucky Proud fruits and vegetables, you can be confident that they will be good for your family,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said.
Kentucky had an all-time high of 120 farmers’ markets in 2008. Statewide sales for 2007 were estimated at $8 million despite a late freeze and a severe drought.
More than 710 farmers’ market vendors completed training on offering samples at farmers’ markets, according to the 2008 Annual Farmers’ Market Report. More than 1,000 Kentucky producers
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completed training for handling produce to minimize the risk of contamination, the report said.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Market Program provides technical assistance for Kentucky farmers’ markets and offers Kentucky Proud promotional items at cost.
The program worked with the state Department for Public Health and the Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association to publish a procedural manual that assists farmers’ markets. The program maintains a directory of markets’ locations and hours.
To find out more about the Farmers’ Market Program, go here. |
