The Louisiana Department of Agriculture has an easy tool for consumers and distributors looking to directly buy from local farmers.
The directory includes Louisiana farms selling directly to consumers, farmers markets, and distributors selling Louisiana products that are still operating during COVID-19.
"Many sellers are now incorporating innovative and safe alternatives to bring farm-fresh food directly to households, including home delivery, curbside pickup, and drive-thru farmers markets," LDAF said.
Johannah Frelier, manager of the Louisiana Farm to School Program, developed a directory and map of farms and businesses in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The materials are available at http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/covid-19/ under the “LA Farm Food Map and Directory” tab.
“The directory and map can be used as a resource for consumers looking to purchase farm-fresh food during these times and support our local farmers,” Frelier said. “During this challenging time, many Louisiana farmers and businesses are experiencing significant market disruptions but are also quickly adapting to incorporate innovative and safe alternatives to bring farm-fresh food to households, such as home delivery, curbside pickup and drive-thru farmers markets.”
The site identifies farms selling directly to consumers, farmers markets and distributors that sell Louisiana products. Listings will be updated regularly to reflect changes being made to operations as the coronavirus situation evolves.
Users can search for sellers by region and parish. Among the offerings are organic rice that can be shipped directly from northeast Louisiana to customer's homes; honey and pecans from central Louisiana; seafood and grass-fed beef from the southwest part of the state; fruits and vegetables from the southeast; and several drive-thru farmers markets in northwest Louisiana, Frelier said.
For any Louisiana farm/business selling farm-fresh food during COVID-19 and would like to be featured on the directory, the LDAF asks that they complete a form.
The LSU AgCenter is collaborating with LDAF to maintain this directory,click here for more information.
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