FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 16, 2007
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696

COMMISSIONER FARMER SAYS BUY KENTUCKY PROUD
TO COMMEMORATE EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentuckians can commemorate Earth Day by buying Kentucky Proud food that’s raised or produced close to home, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said.

“Food typically travels 1,500 miles from the farm to the table and takes up to two weeks to get to the store,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Shipping food from a Kentucky producer to your local store uses less fuel and results in lower emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants than shipping food a long distance. That’s good for the country.

“Plus, Kentucky Proud food is just plain better. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood are tastier and have more nutritional value because they were harvested just a short time ago. Each of the many Kentucky Proud processed foods like sauces and salsas has a unique taste that expresses the skill and creativity of the producer.”

Buying Kentucky Proud strengthens the economies of local Kentucky communities and supports Kentucky farm families and small businesses. Kentucky Proud products generated $39 million in retail sales last year, and sales could reach $88 million this year. Farmers’ market sales totaled nearly $7 million in 2006. The Kentucky Department of Parks bought more than $146,000 of Kentucky Proud foods for its 17 state resorts and four Frankfort cafeterias last year. Much of that revenue goes back to the farmers and processors. They spend that money in their hometowns for equipment, services, their children’s school supplies and many other needs.

To buy Kentucky Proud, look for the familiar blue, red and green Kentucky Proud logo on the package. The Kentucky Proud logo means that product was raised or made in Kentucky by Kentuckians.

Kentucky Proud foods can be found in Kentucky supermarkets, groceries, gift shops and restaurants; the state’s 108 farmers’ markets; the state resorts and cafeterias; Churchill Downs in Louisville, and Applebee’s Park in Lexington. The Kentucky Proud Web site, www.kyproud.com, has a directory of Kentucky Proud farms and businesses.

Millions of Americans demonstrated for action to preserve the environment on the first Earth Day in 1970. Following that event, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, and the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts became law.

Kentucky and the world will celebrate Earth Day on April 22. For more information on this year’s celebration, go to www.eppc.ky.gov/educationoutreach/earthday/. For more information on Kentucky Proud, go to www.kyproud.com.

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