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.

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

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

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

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

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

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

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