FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 12, 2007

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

bill.clary@ky.gov

NEW WEB SITE LINKS FARMERS WITH FOOD BUSINESSES

FRANKFORT, Ky. — An innovative new Web site is connecting Kentucky agricutural businesses, farmers and markets, making it easier to get Kentucky food products to consumers.

MarketMaker:Kentucky is an interactive mapping system developed by private and public partners. It has a comprehensive directory of Kentucky businesses and farms, including about 500 Kentucky Proud members, that are buying and selling food-related products. Anyone can find farmers, farmers’ markets, restaurants, processors, wholesalers, distributors and retailers on the site.

MarketMaker:Kentucky is made possible by a collaboration among the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP), and Allied Food Marketers of Louisville.

 “With teamwork, you can accomplish great things,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Each partner brought something to the table to make this possible. UK had the training staff and expertise, GOAP had the funding, Allied had the private industry contacts and the KDA brought them all together.”

 “This partnership is a great example of what MarketMaker can do for Kentucky, “said Michael Judge, executive director of the KDA’s Office of Agriculture Marketing and Product Promotion. “The Web site will serve as a catalyst for new relationships among food buyers and suppliers.”

MarketMaker:Kentucky will be demonstrated at the upcoming Growing Kentucky II symposium March 13-14 at UK and the KDA’s farmers’ market summit for the eastern half of the state March 30-31 at General Butler State Resort Park.

Kentucky is the fourth state to become part of this national program, piloted in Illinois. Since Kentucky got on board, six more states have signed on to the project.

The Web site is free to consumers, farmers and businesses. Any Kentucky farmer or food business can register. For more information, visit  www.marketmakerky.com or contact the Office of Agriculture Marketing and Product Promotion at (502) 564-4983.

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