In addition to the Census of Agriculture, USDA conducts topical surveys that cover specific sectors in agriculture such as Local Food Marketing Practices. We dove into the 2020 Local Food Marketing Practices survey results that were released in April 2022, and we resurfaced with a trove of information that highlights the current status of local food nationally and within the state.
In May 2020, KCARD launched the Kentucky Local Food System Expansion Initiative through support from an USDA Local Food Promotion Program grant. The goal of the Initiative is to increase local food sales for Kentucky producers by developing sales connections with buyers such as retail stores, institutions, restaurants, schools, and distributors. Though the pandemic initially slowed down producer interest in selling to these market channels because of the surge in local demand, interest in these markets has picked back up this year. At 24 months into the Initiative, we wanted to provide a quick glimpse at producers who have been assisted thus far.
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) is launching the Kentucky Local Food System Expansion Initiative to expand the work of multiple organizations that have laid a foundation in Kentucky for local food purchasing. Organizations involved in the project include the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Horticulture Council, Feeding Kentucky, Bluegrass Farm to Table, the University of Kentucky, and the Community Farm Alliance.
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.
