fresh tomatoes

Looking to buy fresh local produce and support area businesses around Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake or Trumbull County? Check out our Northeast Counties 2nd Edition of the Farm Bureau Buying Local Directory!  The directory not only benefits residents in our community, but Farm Bureau members who get to list their goods and services for FREE!

Download your copy today and start supporting local businesses around the county! Don’t forget to share with your friends and family as well! 

So why is it important to buy local foods?

It’s fresh and it tastes better. Local produce is able to ripen naturally, instead of being picked before ripening actually happens. Most produce you buy in large chain groceries travels long distances and if picked when ripe, would likely be rotten before it hit the store shelves, so it is picked before it has ripened.

Relationships. Local foods create connections that you can’t get online. Getting to know the people who produce your food is important to not only the consumers but to the farmers as well. With so many misconceptions of farmers and farming practices, relationships are so important. But with those relationships, trust, sharing and learning are key.

Stronger local communities. When you buy locally, you are supporting your community and helping those farmers and businesses continue on for future generations.

Variety. Oh the things you can find when buying local: Maple-covered peanuts, chocolate-covered bacon, homemade soap and so much more. Local farmers tend to grow a variety of items instead of only one crop. Additionally, they love supporting other farmers and businesses as well and often branch out offering other locally made products.

Download the 2021 Buying Local Directory

 

Submitted by Mandy Orahood, an Ohio Farm Bureau organization director serving Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties.

 

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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