Practical Farmers of Iowa Buy Fresh, Buy Local Campaign

Practical Farmers of Iowa, in cooperation with University of Northern Iowa?s Center for Energy & Environmental Education, is organizing a Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign.

Buy Local Campaign Mission:

• Make it easier for residents of Black Hawk County and surrounding counties to find locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats & poultry, eggs, honey, and other agricultural products.
• Encourage residents of our region to support our local treasures: farmers markets, family farms & orchards, local meat lockers, & businesses that serve or sell locally grown products.
• Stimulate the economic vitality of the Northeast Iowa region through strengthening the viability of independent farmers and businesses.

About the Campaign Partners

Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) is a statewide, non-profit organization with over 600 farmers and non-farmer members. Since 1985 PFI has been devoted to researching and developing more profitable, ecological and community enhancing approaches to agriculture.

The Center for Energy & Environmental Education at University of Northern Iowa implements community-based initiatives promoting energy conservation, ecological alternatives to lawn pesticides, and local food systems that strengthen family farms and the local economy. Learn more by visiting www.uni.edu/ceee.

Did You Know? Residents of Black Hawk County, IA spend nearly $350 million on food and eating out every year. Most of their food dollars leave the county and state because the majority of the food consumers buy in Iowa has been grown elsewhere. Iowans can keep more money circulating in Black Hawk County when consumers and food buyers purchase locally grown or raised food. This strengthens the local economy and community. Rudy’s Tacos, a Waterloo restaurant, for example, spends nearly $143,000 each year, 71% of its annual food purchases, on local food. A dozen other institutions in this community are also buying local.

Look for:

• The ?Buy Fresh, Buy Local? label, it identifies locally grown products in grocery stores and restaurants near you.
• ?Get Yourself a Farmer,? a directory for finding locally grown food including: farmers markets, meat lockers, u-pick operations, as well as farms and businesses who sell locally grown products directly to consumers.

It’s easy to find local food when you:

• Use the ?Get Yourself a Farmer? directory to find a farmer, farmers market, orchard, meat locker, or local food outlet near you.
• Encourage your local grocery stores and restaurants to purchase more products from local farmers.

Join the Campaign

Households Can:

• Use the ?Get Yourself a Farmer? directory to buy fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products raised on local farms.
• Visit nearby farmers markets and u-pick operations.
• Support grocery stores and restaurants featuring local products. Encourage these local businesses to buy local.
• Also support the campaign by joining Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Farmers, Processors, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Institutions Can Join the Campaign and Receive These Benefits:

• A free listing in the ?Get Yourself a Farmer? directory
• ?Buy Fresh, Buy Local? marketing materials
• Use the “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” label in your promotional materials
• A complimentary membership with Practical Farmers of Iowa

For information about the campaign, contact:

Kamyar Enshayan
(319) 273-7575
www.practicalfarmers.org