County to promote its own through ag grant

Local farmers markets and road-side stands offer some of the best of what area farmers grow.

Now the Colusa County Conservation Resource District wants to take that a step further.

Using a $56,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, the agency is developing a "Colusa County Grown" campaign.

"The purpose is to promote direct sale of agriculture products to consumers," said Mary Fahey, the conservation district coordinator.

While some growers also sell directly to local grocery outlets, this campaign is to let consumers know they are buying locally grown or produced agriculture goods.

"There are similar programs. Placerville has Placerville Grown, and I think Capay has one, Capay Valley Grown," Fahey said.

Glenn County used a similar grant to launch its farmers markets in Willows and Orland.

"This project will promote Colusa County agriculture products using two strategies: A cohesive and recognizable brand for locally grown products, and a consumer education campaign that highlights the benefits of purchasing local healthy food," according to information released by the conservation district.

"Regional branding of 'Colusa County Grown' products will create a clear distinction between local products so consumers can make an educated choice."

A logo will be developed along with the marketing strategies, which can be applied to farmers markets, road-side stands, Internet sales and to help producers with their own agri-tourism program, such as selling products directly from their farms and ranches.

The first phase of the project is getting under way by identifying producers interested in being part of the program, the district reported.

A survey of those producers, consumers and managers of farmers markets will be conducted as well.