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Momentum building for IN Grown initiative

The Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) says momentum is building for Indiana Grown. And Ted McKinney says having the iconic Kroger brand as a partner will help.

“I would say after we see another retailer or two we are hoping for some restaurants to step up,” said McKinney. “To get them going and build off this momentum would be a good thing, I’m guessing a retailer or two followed by restaurants would be the next best wave of announcements.”

As the program grows, McKinney hopes support for Indiana Grown will grow as well.

“But if we can earn our way and demonstrate that this is benefiting all food and agribusiness, and I mean small farms and large farms, high tech and low tech, retailers and restaurants then I think the taxpayers of Indiana are going to say this is a good thing and we need to support that, that’s our goal,” McKinney said.

Kroger is the second major retailer to partner with the Indiana Grown Initiative.  Marsh Supermarkets, based in Indiana, was the first.

Audio: Ted McKinney, Director, Indiana State Department of Agriculture

 

Indiana Grown is a statewide program developed to educate consumers on the importance of buying locally grown products and to help farmers promote their Indiana grown products.