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FRANKFORT,
Ky. – Just as the season begins for ripe tomatoes,
sweet corn and squash, Kroger has asked distributors
to expand contracts with Kentucky farmers in a major
way.
Kroger
distributors have closed deals across the Commonwealth
for a variety of produce grown at several family farms,
including Gallrein Farms in Shelbyville.
Bill
Gallrein Sr. said his grandfather delivered fresh produce
directly to Kroger's back door by horse and wagon almost
60 years ago. Today, almost half of all sales from the
Gallreins' 90 acres of sweet corn go to Kroger through
Stanley Brothers' distribution center, Bill Jr. said.
This
summer of frequent afternoon thunderstorms is producing
the second consecutive year of a bumper crop of produce,
Bill Sr. said.
Gallrein
Farms has more than 730 acres planted and additional
acreage in pasture. The Gallrein operation, which includes
greenhouses for flowers and a country store, is operated
by six farm hands, five family members and a store employee.
In addition to the 90 acres of sweet corn, there are
30 acres of green beans, 35 acres of pumpkins and seven
acres of squash. The produce supplies Kentucky supermarkets,
independent grocers and restaurants.
On
the farm, customers can watch at the back of the country
store as wagonloads of sweet corn arrive from the field,
are sorted, and are placed fresh on the shelves for
sale. A forklift loads equally fresh corn on trucks
for shipment to Stanley Brothers and ultimately Kroger
and others.
Bill
Sr. said he is amazed at how their country store continues
to grow and how Kentucky customers will drive nearly
an hour to buy a bushel of corn. “I think people appreciate
that we have our heart and soul behind this,” Bill Sr.
said.
Agriculture
Commissioner Richie Farmer emphasized how important
Kroger, other supermarkets, retailers and restaurants
are when they support Kentucky farmers. “Consumers should
know that they directly help Kentucky farmers when they
buy Kentucky Proud produce,” Commissioner Farmer said.
“In return, consumers get freshness and quality at a
competitive price.”
Kroger's
support goes beyond its contracts with Kentucky farmers.
The supermarket giant with more than 70 Kentucky stores
also began running television and print advertising
to promote Kentucky Proud, the Kentucky Department of
Agriculture's marketing program that works to make consumers
aware of Kentucky-grown products.
Kroger
also buys through farm co-operatives such as the West
Kentucky Grower Cooperative run by Joe Cecil.
“Our
staff continues to promote, pursue and expand new markets
on behalf of Kentucky Proud producers,” Farmer said.
“I'm pushing for us to increase the visibility of the
Kentucky Proud brand and to encourage producers and
distributors to promote these local connections on their
packaging and labeling.”
The
department is working on ways to share advertising and
packaging costs with producers as part of a two-year,
$2 million grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development
Board. Almost all the expenses for Kentucky Proud are
derived from tobacco settlement grants and not from
public tax dollars.
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NOTE:
Two photos of the Gallreins, including Bill Sr., Bill
Jr. and Randie, are online at www.kyagr.com
. Details about the farm, directions and contact
information are at www.gallreinfarms.com
. The Gallreins are available for interviews and
photos.
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