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Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said new state regulations that will allow the state Parks Department to buy local Kentucky Proud meat and dairy products will open doors for Kentucky producers.
“I am grateful to the Parks Department for providing a new market for Kentucky products,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Our farmers could benefit tremendously from this change. This also is an opportunity for consumers to find out about some of the great-tasting foods that are available right here in Kentucky.”
Commissioner Farmer said a spirit of cooperation between the Parks Department and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing staff has helped clear the way for Kentucky farmers to sell their products in the state parks. “Bob Perry, the parks’ director of food services, deserves special credit,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Bob is a chef, so he knows the importance of using local food products. He has been a driving force in getting Kentucky Proud foods into the parks.”
The state has purchased its first shipment of Kentucky Proud beef from the Green River Cattle Co. of Greensburg to be served in the three Frankfort cafes that the Parks Department operates. The Parks Department also operates 17 resorts with lodges throughout the Commonwealth.
Kentucky is the leading beef state east of the Mississippi River with more than 1.1 million beef cows. Cattle and calves generated nearly $544 million of cash receipts to Kentucky farmers in 2003, according to the Kentucky Agricultural Statistics Service.
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