buying local
The purpose of the Buying Local directory at OurOhio.org is to forge a partnership between farmers and consumers. Consumers benefit by knowing where to purchase locally produced food, plants, flowers, agriculture-related entertainment and much more. Farmers benefit from the increased exposure of their quality products and services to neighbors in their communities. Both farmers and consumers benefit from the relationships they develop over time.The directory is part of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's Our Ohio branding efforts: Our Ohio consists of a magazine, Web site and television series.
Directory Participant Qualifications
In addition to being a member in good standing of the Ohio Farm Bureau, the retail business must be operated by the producer of the agricultural and/or horticultural products that are being sold directly to the consumer. These businesses may also sell agriculture-related entertainment programming such as hayrides, corn mazes and more. The business may sell products in addition to those he/she produces, and the products may be processed or unprocessed.
Restaurants that purchase food from local farms and promote the fact are eligible to be listed. Restaurant owners or managers of each location should be Ohio Farm Bureau members.
Businesses found in this directory usually fall into one or more of the following categories.
- Roadside stands or markets are producer-operated facilities that sell agricultural and horticultural products from temporary facilities that are located along the roadside.
- Farm markets are producer-operated facilities that sell agricultural and horticultural products from a permanent facility located at the farm where the items are produced. Products may also be shipped in from additional farm locations.
- Farmers’ markets are locations where producers congregate to sell agricultural and horticultural products. Ohio Farm Bureau expects at least one participant in the market or the market entity itself to be a Farm Bureau member.
- Wineries offer wine and possibly grape juice processed from grapes produced by the business owner.
- Christmas tree farms are locations where the customer may cut their own, select pre-cut trees, or purchase balled and burlap Christmas trees.
- Pick-your-own or U-pick describes a farm where the grower allows customers to pick their own produce directly from the field or orchard.
- Garden centers/retail greenhouses primarily sell plants, flowers and/or ornamental nursery products.
- Agritourism characterizes businesses that offer hayrides, corn mazes, educational tours and other creative entertainment opportunities.
- Produce Auctions are generally wholesale in nature but sometimes offer retail opportunities. Items sold at these venues generally include fruits, vegetable, flowers and plants. Items are sold in an auction format.
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a concept in which a community of individuals work together to build a local agricultural system that allows farmers to focus on land stewardship while maintaining productive and profitable small farms.
- Alpacas, Horses and Llamas are types of animals that are sold on farms and/or agritourism opportunities.
- Other products are sometimes developed by farmers from commodities they grow and are then sold directly to the consumer.
Buying Local restaurant enrollment form
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Our Ohio Communications, Inc. does not guarantee the quality of the products and services sold by any business listed in this directory.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Our Ohio Communications, Inc. reserves the right to remove any business from this directory for reasons at its sole discretion.
To comment on the interactive map, contact info@ourohio.org
