$1.9 Billion – Amount Buying Locally Grown Produce Sales Would Pump Into Georgia’s Economy, Study Says

For the first time we can begin to paint a picture of the impact that buying locally grown produce would have on Georgia’s economy, thanks to research conducted by the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development.

The study, “The Local Food Impact: What if Georgians Ate Georgia Produce?” reports that, if each of the approximately 3.7 million households in the state devoted $10 per week to produce grown in Georgia, more than $1.9 billion would be pumped back into the state’s economy.

And for every 5 percent increase in local produce purchasing, the state would see 345 additional jobs, $43.7 million more in sales, and $13.6 million more in farmer income.

“These findings are some of the strongest demonstrations so far of what a small change in consumer behavior could mean for farmers, and for the entire state,” says Georgia Organics Executive Director Alice Rolls. “More than that, I hope this study gets leaders state-wide asking why we don’t see every day foods for our Southern diets growing in the fields of Georgia.”

The study also found that Georgians eat less than the national average of locally grown food. The study’s authors generated scenarios that approximate what agriculture production would be like if Georgians consumed the national average of locally grown food. Currently, direct farmer to consumer sales contribute 132 jobs, $4.5 million in labor income, and $14.4 million in sales.

If Georgia produce farmers increased direct farm-to-consumer produce sales to the national average level, the result would be an overall statewide contribution of 228 jobs, $8.1 million in labor income, and $25.8 million in sales.

In addition, study authors analyzed the potential of individual crops by comparing the amount that average Georgians eat, and the amount that Georgia farmers grow.

They found, for example, the average Georgian eats about 30 pounds of fresh lettuce per year, or about 285 million pounds state-wide. Yet the state produces less than 245,000 pounds per year, which is less than one-tenth of one percent of the amount of lettuce that Georgians consume. Closing that gap would generate an additional $83.6 million in lettuce sales.

Similarly, there are major gaps for other produce, including a $228 million gap for apples, a $62 million gap for bell peppers, a $46 million gap for a broccoli, a $12.8 million gap for carrots, a $124 million gap for pecans, a $235 million gap for tomatoes, and a $93 million gap for watermelon.

“Looking at the quantity of foods directly marketed in Georgia, there is a tremendous opportunity there,” says author study Kent Wolfe, agricultural economist with the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. “Georgia’s food product sales directly to consumers account for a small fraction of their total sales. Farmers get to keep a larger percentage of their food dollar when they sell directly to stores, restaurants or other consumers.”

According to the 2007 Agricultural Census, Georgia’s direct sales accounted for .18 percent of their total sales. Rhode Island sold 9.5 percent of its agricultural products directly to consumers and Massachusetts sold 8.5 percent through direct sales.

To access the entire study, which was funded by the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness along with the other partners, click here.
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We’re Canning and So Can You

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over the past few years, people have been inspired by the trend of growing their own food to save money and to eat fresh, healthy food. Along with edible gardening, the art of home canning is hot once again with renewed appreciation for local and homegrown food. We have entered the harvest season and it’s time to take those summer crops and preserve food to last you through winter. Lowe’s has all of the resources you need to get started canning for the first time or just the products for those who have canned for years.

For those just beginning, it may seem like a daunting task but it really can be a simple Sunday afternoon with the right tools and these garden tips. Preparation and information are the keys to successful home canning. Make sure you have the right tools, the best ingredients, and the best step-by-step guide for the recipe you're canning, and you're set!

Step one: Gather and wash your garden-fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden or local farmers market. Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries will make delicious jams, while tomatoes are great for salsa or spaghetti sauces. One reminder is to make pickles; you need to begin with ripe cucumbers.

Step two: Gather all of the necessary tools you will need to prepare your food. Many of the small items you will already have in your home: a funnel, tongs, pot holders, measuring spoons and utensils. The main kitchen item you will also need is a stock or boiling pot and a canning rack. Lowe’s carries an affordable, easy all-in-one Ball® Home Canning Discovery Kit (#331448, approx. $11) for the beginner, which includes a canning rack with integrated jar lifter, three Ball pint jars with lids and bands, and a simple three-step guide to canning using delicious recipes.

Step three: A good recipe book and guide to preserving will take you a long way and kick start you with some delicious new recipes. One of the best books containing a guide to preserving food, recipes and tips for all canners is the 100th Edition Ball Blue Book® Guide to Preserving.

Step four: After you have prepared all of your food, your last step is to store it in a pint or quart jar. Be sure to use airtight bands and lids to ensure your jars are properly sealed to store your food through winter. Use a jar with a design and wrap with a pretty bow to create a perfect gift during the holidays. Label your jars with the date and type of food to ensure they are incorporated into seasonal recipes throughout the winter.

And don’t forget after you’ve eaten all your food in the winter season, you’ll need a Rubbermaid storage container for your empty jars once they are washed and sterilized, so you’re ready to start again next summer!

Visit any Lowe’s store nationwide for all of your canning needs: from the glass jars and lids sold separately for the expert, to the Ball® Home Canning Discovery Kit for the beginner. For more information on Canning 101 and some delicious recipes, visit www.lowescreativeideas.com/Extras.

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Flash Food Birds

I posted something about this on my Ramblin' Jan blog or the Fayette Life blog a while back, but it was so neat I thought I'd re-post the photos in Naturally Fayette as they "fit" better here!

As you can see the birds have decided they have the perfect place to call home.

Those deep, nicely rounded holes in the letters make a great sheltered place for a nest. Not to mention all the food that gets dropped on the ground!

I would imagine that quite a few folks getting gas probably toss a tidbit their way every once in a while.

I would also bet that the people who have to clean the sidewalks hate that chore. Imagine all the bird poop.

This is the Flash Food / Exxon station located in Fayetteville at the Hwy. 85 and 314 intersection. If you sign up for a free Flash Food card you get 2 cents off a gallon. Their gas is usually as cheap, or cheaper, than most so of course I shop there first!

One more thing, not sure if it's always the way I found it, but twice while getting gas there I've had to step into the restroom. They were clean. Yep, a gas station bathroom that was clean.

And no, I don't know the people or have any reason to give them a plug other than any time I get friendly service (always) and a good value, I'm gonna pass it on if I can.