Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois is now Illinois Grown
Buying local isn’t just a trend; it’s a commitment to supporting Illinois communities. To build on this commitment, Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois (BFBL-IL) is proud to announce that it will soon become Illinois Grown. Illinois Grown is a program of the Illinois Department of Agriculture that identifies products grown in Illinois or containing at least one ingredient grown in Illinois. Products will be identified with the new Illinois Grown logo, which you will start to see at your farmers market and grocery store.
In addition to grocery stores and farmers markets, consumers will be able to locate producers from across the State of Illinois using an online, searchable Illinois Grown Food Guide. Consumers may recognize components of this Guide as they’re built upon similar technology that was used in the BFBL-IL online directory. Only now, instead of seeing BFBL-IL, consumers will see the new Illinois Grown logo.
The Illinois Grown logo identifies products grown in Illinois or containing at least one ingredient grown in Illinois. By displaying the Illinois Grown logo on products, producers can showcase their commitment to local agriculture while also tapping into a growing consumer demand for transparent sourcing and community support. And for consumers, it’s a way to keep their dollars in Illinois, support Illinois farmers, create a sustainable food system, and positively impact the environment.
FOR PRODUCERS
Producers who are currently a part of the BFBL-IL online directory will need to login to their accounts and update their profile to include the Illinois Grown affiliation. Although the official transition from BFBL-IL to Illinois Grown won’t officially take place until later in October, producers can get a head start on updating their profiles now to ensure their business and products are marked with the new Illinois Grown Logo.
The Illinois Grown logo can be used by:
- Food Companies
- Agricultural Organizations
- Fruit & Vegetable Growers
- Christmas Tree Growers
- Agribusiness Companies
- Seed, Feed and Fertilizer Companies
- Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers
- Agricultural Producers
- Farmers Markets
- Restaurants using Illinois Grown products
- Retail entities carrying Illinois Grown products
Sign up to be an Illinois Grown retailer, or update your current BFBL-IL profile by logging into your Market Maker account and choosing the Illinois Grown affiliation here.
FOR CONSUMERS
As part of the mission of Illinois Grown, the program encourages consumers to pledge to spend $10 of their weekly grocery budget on Illinois Grown products. By doing so consumers can help the local economy and reinvest dollars back into the state, and they’ll get a free reusable bag or sticker.
If every Illinois household dedicated $10 of its existing, weekly grocery budget towards the purchase of Illinois food products, more than $2.5 billion a year would be reinvested in the Illinois economy. Look for Illinois Grown products wherever you buy groceries!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible?
Any entity that produces an agricultural product in Illinois or containing at least one ingredient grown or produced in Illinois can be authorized to participate and receive a certificate as an official Illinois Grown member free of charge. Examples include food companies, specialty growers, agribusinesses, agricultural producers or related associations.
How is the logo promoted?
Certified entities can utilize the logo for FREE in any or all marketing and promotional activities including packaging, merchandising materials and advertising campaigns. The Illinois Department of Agriculture supports Illinois Grown marketing efforts with a variety of educational and promotional projects and online marketing including retail displays, food service, special events, industry trade shows, state fair exhibits, social marketing and more.
What are the benefits?
Use the Illinois Grown logo to:
- Increase Visibility: The Illinois Grown advertising campaign will increase the visibility of your products wherever your products are sold.
- Increase Market Exposure: The Illinois Grown campaign targets specific demographics that match your customer base, providing you with targeted market exposure and potential for higher conversion rates.
- Increase Cost Efficiency: Illinois Grown members leverage our extensive advertising efforts without incurring additional costs, maximizing your return on investment.
- Align Branding: Using the Illinois Grown logo will ensure your brand is identified as a local brand, enhancing your brand’s credibility and recognition.
For more information about the Illinois Product Logo Program please contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture Bureau of Marketing, Promotion & Grants, c/o Illinois Grown Logo Program, at P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, IL 62794-9281.
