Factors Affecting Producer Awareness of State Programs Promoting Locally Grown Foods: The Case of Fruit and Vegetable Growers in Tennessee

Interest in locally grown foods has increased over the past few years. Tennessee currently has two state-funded programs promoting the consumption of Tennessee agricultural products by linking producers and consumers-Tennessee Farm Fresh and Pick Tennessee Products. Factors associated with fruit and vegetable producer awareness of each of these programs are analyzed using a bivariate probit model. Findings suggest that awareness was associated with education, percentage of income from farming, use of University/Extension publications, attendance at University/Extension education events, and operation location. These results should be of assistance to individuals attempting to increase producer awareness of programs promoting locally grown foods.