COLUMBUS — Ohio’s more than 2,000 specialty crop growers can now compete more easily with the big boys for shelf and cooler space in the grocery aisles.
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, Ohio Grocers Foundation, Ohio Produce Growers and Marketers Association, and Ohio Department of Agriculture have partnered to launch a new initiative called OH So Fresh.
The retail marketing campaign is designed to raise consumer awareness about Ohio-grown specialty crops by giving Ohioans expanded opportunities to sample and purchase locally grown, farm fresh produce from their local grocers.
Nearly 100 independently owned grocery retailers are participating in the OH So Fresh initiative in 2013. (Click here for a .pdf of a full list of participating grocers.)
Breaking into retail
“Although Ohio grown produce is abundant at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and through community supported agriculture programs, the majority of Ohioans turn to their local grocery stores for the bulk of their grocery purchases. That’s why it’s critical that growers and grocers are working together to offer locally grown food at these stores,” said Milo Petruziello, OEFFA program associate.
The campaign provides promotional materials to grocers, so customers can identify locally grown produce by the OH So Fresh label.
For more information, visit www.oeffa.org or call 614-421-2022.
