Idaho Preferred Focuses On Educating Consumers “What’s Grown In Their Backyard”

While Idaho Preferred month wrapped up in September, the effort to educate consumers about all the Gem state has to offer continues year round. And according to Anne Struthers with the Idaho state Department of Agriculture, consumers are hungry for that education. She noted that during the pandemic, consumers learned about the many individuals working hard to move food from the field to the table.

“A lot of Idahoans suddenly started to become aware of where their food comes from and started cooking at home, and started to patronize local even more than they already were.  So, that’s a trend we’re trying to take full advantage of with Idaho Preferred.  And educating consumers about the people producing their food is one of our number one priorities.”

Struthers added consumers are also surprised to learn the impact farming has on the Idaho economy. Roughly 18% of the state’s total economic output, and 13% of the state’s GDP are tied directly to agriculture. She added many Idahoans are shocked to learn of the diversity that exists in the state. She noted the state is much more than world class potatoes.

“You can make an entire holiday meal for thanksgiving, and the only thing you need to buy that doesn’t come from Idaho is probably olive oil.  So, we are really very fortunate that so much food production is right in our own backyard.”

Click Here to learn more bout the Idaho Preferred effort.

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