08/31/07 Consumer demand drives Idaho Preferred

You see the blue and gold labels quite often these days in Idaho supermarkets. CLARK "Albertsons and Wal Mart and Paul's Markets they've just have been wonderful to identify and promote Idaho fruits and vegetables specifically and now going beyond that to identify Idaho breads and meats and wines." Idaho State Department of Agriculture trade specialist Leah Clark says the Idaho Preferred partnership with those supermarkets is a growing venture. Just last week the seven Treasure Valley Wal Mart stores opened their outdoor market of Idaho fresh produce. CLARK "Following their big promotion we'll kick off September as Idaho Preferred month and we'll be doing a big promotion with Albertsons. They are the sponsor of our big event called Taste of Idaho." That's going to be held on September 7th with a kickoff announcement expected from Governor Butch Otter. Clark says another part of their September Idaho Preferred promotion is 'Dine Around' which promotes restaurants that serve local foods. A specialty crop grant is what got the Idaho Preferred program started just over five years ago. Learn more about the program or to get a list of products and outlets go to the Internet at idahopreferred. com. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott