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Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Arkansas Farm Trail launches its second season March 28, nearly doubling its footprint to 39 participating farms across the state.
The program connects consumers with local farmers who sell food products directly on site, from fruits and vegetables to meat, grains and canned goods. Participating farms grow or raise at least one food product available for purchase.
“With agriculture as Arkansas’s number one industry, the response to the Arkansas Farm Trail shows just how much people want to connect with the farmers who produce their food,” said John McMinn, director of commodity activities at Arkansas Farm Bureau. “That growth reflects the strong direct-to-consumer movement Arkansas farmers have built and the growing interest from families who want to see where their food comes from.”
The trail works on a passport system. Consumers pick up a passport at any participating farm, at their county Farm Bureau office or by printing one from the website. Each farm visit and purchase earns a stamp, and prizes are awarded based on the number of stamps collected. The grand prize, a fire pit custom-made by members of Arkansas FFA, goes to the first six participants who submit passports stamped by 22 farms.
The program launched last year as the first of its kind in Arkansas with roughly 20 stops. McMinn said the growth into its second year reflects the demand on both sides of the counter.
“The Arkansas Farm Trail continues to create a win for both farmers and consumers by strengthening that connection,” he said.
For more information, visit ARFarmTrail.com.
