More than 200 producers have signed up to become members of the new Indiana Grown program, and Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann notes they span all of Indiana agriculture – everything from hardwood to poultry, produce to bath and body products.
State Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney says Indiana Grown encompasses all aspects of the food chain.
“It’s the retailers that have been pressing, pressing, pressing for this and I hope we’ve delivered a good product. Same with restaurants,” McKinney says.
McKinney says a soon-to-be-released survey will gauge the awareness of Indiana Grown, with the same survey coming about a year from now to measure progress. Ellspermann says she has her own benchmark she’s hoping the program will meet.
“90-percent of what is eaten in Indiana actually comes from outside the state," Ellspermann says. "That’s kind of disappointing when you’re one of the top agricultural states in the nation. If we can just bring 10-percent more, it’s a billion dollars.”
Hoosiers can find Indiana Grown members at the program’s website.
