Indiana Grown celebrates its five-year anniversary this month as it continues to attract more members and expand services, according to Southwest Indiana legislators.
The program aims to connect more Hoosier consumers with Indiana goods. State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) said more than 1,600 farms and businesses that grow, raise, produce or process agriculture items in the state participate in Indiana Grown and new members join almost daily.
“There are a lot of small, local businesses in Indiana and we want them to succeed,” Hostettler said. “As a community, it is important to support our farmers, stores, and artists when we can. Indiana Grown helps Hoosier consumers know they are buying local goods with unique labeling, and dedicated areas in grocery stores and shops.”
According to State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville), Indiana Grown members and partners include farmers, producers, processors, artisans, retailers, grocers, and restaurants. Hoosiers can join for free online at IndianaGrown.org, and have to provide information to ensure their products meet Indiana Grown’s guidelines.
“This program offers many benefits including marketing, branding, and networking to reach a wider customer base,” McNamara said. “For businesses thinking about joining or wanting more information, I highly encourage you to visit Indiana Grown’s website and become a member today.”
State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) said consumers can also go to IndianaGrown.org for local shopping guides, recipes using Hoosier-sourced goods, locations of nearby farmers’ markets, and their popular Indiana Grown maps, trails and guides.
“Indiana Grown helps promote locally owned and operated businesses and highlight Hoosier-made products,” Sullivan said. “This program is unique and encourages consumers to be more intentional in supporting their neighbors.”
Housed within the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, in the last five years, Indiana Grown worked with partners to connect schools with local food producers, paved the way for more locally sourced options in hospitals, and made local products more readily available to consumers in grocery stores.
“My time with Indiana Grown has been truly rewarding,” said Indiana Grown Program Director Heather Tallman. “More important than these high impact projects are the ripple effects each one has created for our members and partners.”
