Web site makes changes to benefit producers, buyers

KAN staff report

The MarketMaker:Kentucky Web site has launched two new features that will make it easier for producers and buyers to get together.

The new buy/sell forum is a free online food classified advertisement for producers and buyers. Producers can list what they sell, and buyers can list what they are interested in purchasing.

A national portal has also been added, allowing buyers from anywhere in the nation – or world, since it’s on the World Wide Web – to find products in any MarketMaker state, including Kentucky.

“These new features make it easier to connect Kentucky food producers to potential buyers like food wholesalers, groceries and restaurants,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Listings in our buy/sell forum are free, so I encourage farmers across the Commonwealth to list the crops and products they produce. I also encourage buyers to look for Kentucky Proud products because, as our slogan says, ‘Nothing else is close.’”

Michael Judge, executive director of the KDA’s Office of Agriculture Marketing and Product Promotion, said the buy/sell forum will decrease the time it takes producers and buyers to find each other. He believes the national portal can open up new national and international markets for Kentucky Proud products.

“With the national portal, companies can easily localize their purchases,” Judge said. “For national wholesalers and retailers, finding a local source for their food purchases saves money on freight expenses and builds a sense of community.”

Producers who don’t have an Internet connection can participate by going to their local county extension office. County agents have been trained to use MarketMaker:Kentucky.

“I encourage producers to look up their farm,” Judge said. “If they’re a Kentucky Proud member, they should be listed. If they’ve not yet joined Kentucky Proud, it’s free to register at (502) 564-4983.”