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FRANKFORT, Ky. — As the state’s farmers gear up for spring, the Kentucky Department of Parks once again has pledged to purchase home-grown Kentucky Proud produce, meat and dairy products.
“We’re looking forward to continuing this successful partnership as we enter another busy growing season,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “It’s truly a win-win situation for everyone. Our state’s farmers have another market for their products, and our parks receive top-quality, home-grown food at a competitive price.”
The Department of Parks began buying Kentucky Proud products in 2004, and the program is popular with chefs at the state’s 17 resort lodges and four cafes. In October, thanks to a change in state purchasing regulations, the parks began purchasing meat and dairy products from Kentucky farmers.
“Many of our chefs have discovered just how delicious and cost-effective these products can be,” John Kington, deputy commissioner of the Department of Parks, wrote in a letter to Commissioner Farmer. Kington thanked the Commissioner for helping the chefs forge “partnerships with local growers which have enabled us to serve fresh, locally-produced foods.”
The Department of Parks purchases more than $500,000 worth of steamship round and ground beef each year. The parks purchased more than $21,000 of Kentucky Proud produce in 2005, the first full year of the program.
“We are committed to buying even more, as long as we have a network of suppliers who can meet our needs,” Kington wrote. “I can think of nothing better for our guests or our state than having plates piled high with Kentucky meat, fruit and vegetables.”
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