A grant for nearly $157,000 will help promote Idaho food and agricultural products through the Idaho Preferred program, managed by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
The grant represents 45 percent of Idaho Preferred's $350,000 2012-2013 budget.
The program is one of 10 projects selected by ISDA to receive a total of nearly $900,000 through allocations of USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grants.
The grant will allow Idaho Preferred to continue its successful program promoting specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, wines and nursery products, said Leah Clark, Idaho Preferred program manager.
The program conducts television and radio advertising, retail and foodservice promotions, public relations activities, consumer events and educational programs to increase consumer awareness and demand for locally grown and produced products.
The program's campaign supports local growers, food producers, processors and suppliers and keeps proceeds in Idaho. Whether an Idaho Preferred member or not, the program assists growers of all specialty crops, she said.
SOURCE: Carol Ryan Dumas, Capital Press
http://www.capitalpress.com/newsletter/CRD-Idaho-Preferred-060713