The Produce Moms Launches ‘50 States of Agriculture’ Educational Campaign Celebrating America’s Agricultural Heritage; Ted McKinney and Lori Taylor Comment

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Produce Moms® (TPM) recently launched 50 States of Agriculture™, a nationwide campaign developed to celebrate 250 years of the United States. The series honors and showcases the commodities and agricultural contributions of each state through a series of educational features highlighting each of the 50 states on The Produce Moms’ website.

The campaign launched in July and features states in alphabetical order. Profiles from Alabama through Kansas are now available, with Kentucky and Louisiana next in the series. Each week, TPM will continue releasing profiles until all 50 states have been represented, creating a free educational resource that showcases the distinct agricultural history, commodities, and contributions of every state.

“Each state has its own farmers, ranchers, commodities, traditions, and innovations that strengthen our food system and local communities,” National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney said in the recent release. “As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, initiatives like 50 States of Agriculture can help consumers better understand where their food comes from and recognize the people that keep America's agriculture strong. Efforts like this help connect consumers with where their food comes from while highlighting the important role state departments of agriculture play in supporting farmers, ranchers, and food producers."

Each state profile explores the state's agricultural heritage, highlights key commodities, showcases locally grown fruits and vegetables, and connects consumers with educational resources that help them select, store, and serve fresh produce.

Drawing upon information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state departments of agriculture, the series aims to help consumers better understand where their food comes from and the many people, systems, and supply chains that make fresh food available every day.

“There are many systems, people, and partnerships required to get food from farms to family tables," said TPM Founder & CEO Lori Taylor. "American farmers play a critical role in feeding, fueling, and clothing our communities, as well as strengthening our nation’s security and resilience.

"Through 50 States of Agriculture, we’re celebrating the hardworking farmers while helping consumers better understand the importance of agriculture in American culture and everyday life."

The series will be available free of charge through The Produce Moms’ digital platforms and will serve as an ongoing educational resource throughout America’s 250th anniversary celebration and beyond. In addition to launching the 50 States of Agriculture series, The Produce Moms is also celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial as an official partner of EPA’s Freedom 250 campaign, Feed It Onward.

To learn more, visit here.