FAQ
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How is From the Heart of Washington funded? What are the key objectives of From the Heart of Washington? What types of agricultural and food products are represented by From the Heart of Washington? How can I participate in the program? Why is From the Heart of Washington a necessary program? Where can I get state Washington agricultural statistics? Fresh Tastes Better. The shorter distance a product travels to market, the fresher and better it will be for you. Food coming from local farms was most likely picked within the last two days and is loaded with flavor. When fruits and vegetables sit for an extended period, the sugars can turn into starches, plant cells shrink, and produce can lose its vitality. Economy. Washington agriculture is important to the health of the state's economy, contributing over $5 billion annually. Agriculture is the number one industry when combined with food processing and manufacturing, contributing over $12 billion to the economy. Washington agriculture is the top employer in our state, employing more than 170,000 residents. Preserving Farmlands. A Sunday drive through the countryside is a great American past time. Washington state is the most picturesque area in the Pacific Northwest, decorated with more than 15 million acres of thriving farmland, lovingly designed by the farmers with lush fields and shimmering bodies of water. Buying locally helps support the farmland and preserves our state's diverse agricultural landscape. Building Community. Knowing the grower or the source of your Washington products ensures freshness, quality and an opportunity to learn about the state's many farms and food processors. From the farmer’s market tables to the grocer’s aisles, buying local fosters those relationships.. How is From the Heart of Washington funded? From the Heart of Washington is marketing campaign administered by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, using state budgets earmarked specifically for agricultural marketing programs such as this. The program relies on value-added media and private partnership programs to stretch its budgetary dollars. Its May 2006 campaign, in which more than 400 statewide grocers have given signage and logo placements to the program, illustrates how businesses and government can work together effectively. What are the key objectives of From the Heart of Washington?
What types of agricultural and food products are represented by From the Heart of Washington? This campaign highlights the state's diverse seasonal produce, dairy, beef, pork, chicken, processed foods, wine, nursery products, and seafood, among others. How can I participate in the program? Growers: This campaign is designed to help you sell more products in state. As logo placement and signage at grocery becomes more prominent, we encourage you to use the From the Heart of Washington logo on your products. Grocers: Show consumers that your company supports local agriculture by using our point-of-sale promotional kit or the From the Heart of Washington logo in your circulars and newspaper display ads. Consumers: The next time you’re grocery shopping, look for and ask your grocer about Washington grown or made products. When dining out, order or ask for menu items made with Washington products, or enjoy Washington wine. Restaurateurs: Call out Washington grown and made foods on your menus and fresh sheets wherever possible. To help leverage the consumer awareness of Washington grown products, we extend HOW logo usage to menu programs. Media: Stories abound to foster local consumer awareness across television, newspapers, radio and on the Internet. We work closely with the media in every corner of the state to identify stories of interested to your audience. Story topics could include buying trends, organic farms, small farms, niche product trends, wine, farmers markets, agri-tourism, farmer-retailer success stories, and restaurant trends. We gladly connect media members to growers, ag industry leaders, chefs and retailers. If you would like to be added to our media mailing list or would like story ideas in your area please contact us at: HOW@agr.wa.gov. Why is From the Heart of Washington a necessary program? Our state has made tremendous inroads marketing Washington products internationally, but marketing “local” products to our local consumers cannot be overlooked. Even one additional Washington grown product purchased for every person, every week, has exponential economic benefits to the state, and keeps local farmers in business. How is From the Heart of Washington different than other local, agricultural marketing programs I’ve heard of? We promote the agricultural industry for the entire state, to state consumers, and act as an umbrella for a multitude of agricultural interests in the process. Other programs are county-run, non-profits, or product commission-funded, but we are all partners in that we share a common goal to promote Washington products. All are invited to inquire on HOW logo usage for branded partnerships. Where can I get state Washington agricultural statistics? Learn more about Washington agriculture on the National Agricultural Statistics Service Web site.
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