Kentucky Proud highlights local goods on national stage at Great American Farmers Market

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Kentucky Proud is representing the Bluegrass State at the Great American Farmers Market in Washington, D.C.

The state’s agricultural marketing program is showcasing Kentucky-grown, raised, and processed products through Friday, Aug. 8.

“We’re here promoting our brand and our producers that have Kentucky Proud labeling on their products in the state of Kentucky, trying to point and direct people to Kentucky Proud products that are here in DC so that if they come to Kentucky or they go to a store or they find it online, they know that that quality is there for our Kentucky products,” Jonathan Shell, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, said. “I’m extremely grateful to President Trump and our USDA Secretary, Brooke Rollins, for doing this on the National Mall, bringing attention to not only our farmers markets across the country but also just right here to our producers that are producing for the farmers markets.”

The event is part of the America 250 celebrations and features more than 50 vendors from 28 states.

“This farm impact is extremely important, and whether it’s produce, protein, spices, jams, jellies, popcorn, or whatever it is, that impact goes directly back to a farmer in some capacity,” Shell said.

Shell told FOX 56 it’s been a great turnout so far, and the event has opened doors to thousands of new customers.

“Thousands of people at this point, who are coming in and out of these booths; they’re supporting farmers, they’re buying their products,” he said.

Shell said this is only the beginning of Kentucky’s participation in American 250 festivities.

“So this is one way for the 250th year of America to be able to celebrate its nation’s farmers, and there are going to be all kinds of different promotions,” he said. “We’re competing in the Great American State Fair competition as well.”

He urges all Kentuckians to show up and show out at the Kentucky State Fair to show the nation that Kentucky has the “best state fair in America, the most patriotic state fair in America.”