Eye On Magazine

As interest in local foods surges, the Arkansas Agriculture Department stands ready to meet the public’s demand with a revamped edition of its Arkansas Grown program. In partnership with P. Allen Smith, the program connects Arkansas farmers with a range of buyers, such as restaurants, schools and grocery stores. The program’s ultimate aim is to increase the quantity of locally produced food in the state’s market.
“We’re excited about the changes we’ve made to the program that will benefit consumers and producers,” Butch Calhoun, Arkansas Agriculture Department secretary, said. “Arkansas Grown will help consumers more readily identify locally grown foods so they can make informed choices and stimulate their local economy by keeping their food dollars in the community. The program will bring more awareness to Arkansas’ wonderful producers and help create more markets for their products.”
Benefits of a strong local food system include economic gains for smaller farmers and the state, a reduction of environmental pollution by decreasing food transportation distances and increased access to fresher, healthier and better-tasting foods for the public.
“Farmers and producers want to farm and produce,” Smith said. “That’s what they’re good at and how they want to spend their time. Now, they have an advocate, Arkansas Grown, that’ll step in and get them plugged in to the state’s market. It’s a win for farmers, consumers and Arkansas’ economy.”
Often small growers do not have the resources to spend much on marketing, making the state infrastructure-building program an essential partner to help the farmers compete in their native market. In addition to working to connect producers with buyers, the program assists small farmers with marketing efforts that increase visibility, including placing an Arkansas Grown label at point of sale or on the product.
Arkansas Grown offers tiered options for farmers and producers: a free option that also includes special labeling for restaurants, one for $25 and another for $50 with increasing exposure and benefits accompanying each. Many states, including Georgia, Texas, Missouri and New Jersey, have successful comparable programs.
For more information or to sign up, visit www.arkansasgrown.org.

Food safety training is a commitment, a mindset and a smart business practice for every restaurant and food service operation. It is critical that every person in an operation meets today’s food safety practice demands. With the adoption of the new Food Code by the Arkansas Department of Health, every food service establishment must have someone on site during business hours who is knowledgeable about food safety principles. This day-long seminar prepares you to sit for the national certification exam at the end of the day. Registration deadline is March 21. Participants are encouraged to purchase and study textbook at least two (2) weeks prior to class. Renee Smith, instructor. Fee: $30 (includes 6th edition textbook and exam). Date: Apr 2, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. UACCB Independence Hall, Room 103. To register, contact Kristen Smith of the Arkansas Hospitality Association at 501.376.2323.