By all measures, the "Indiana Grown" branding program has established invaluable connections between farmers and consumers in the Hoosier State. "It's very much a pride item here," Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann told The Produce News. "Indiana Grown is a nice way for Hoosiers to know they have local products. Hoosiers want to know where their food is coming from."

The program was officially launched in 2012 and showcases the fresh, high-quality foods the marketplace has to offer. A total of 16 organizations are currently registered under the Indiana Grown program.

"Agriculture is strong in Indiana," Ellspermann went on to say. Her personal insights date to her childhood. She grew up in rural Ferdinand, IN, a community of 2,200 people. Ellspermann's father, a jeweler, always said the economic health of Ferdinand was dependent upon the agricultural community.

According to Ellspermann, agriculture infuses the state's economy with $38 billion annually. According to the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service Indiana Field Office, the Hoosier State enjoyed national rankings for a variety of commodities in 2010. Indiana was fifth in the nation for production of cantaloupe, producing 391,000 hundredweight and accounting for 2.1 percent of national supplies. The state was also fifth for production of watermelon at approximately 2.8 million hundredweight and accounting for 6.9 percent of national volume. Indiana ranked 10th nationally in blueberry production, with a volume of 3.6 million pounds that accounted for 1 percent of national supplies. Indiana ranked 13th for its production of sweet corn for the fresh market, with 598,000 hundredweight accounting for 2.1 percent of national volume. Production of tomatoes for the fresh market placed Indiana 14th nationally at 108,000 hundredweight. And Indiana was 20th in the nation for commercial apples, at a volume of 26 million pounds.

"Rural farmers want to find ways to get their products to Hoosiers," Ellspermann went on to say.

Agricultural producers can apply for Indiana Grown program membership through an application to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. All farm producers, specialty food producers and others engaged in the production of agricultural products in Indiana are eligible to apply.

Program categories are produce, field crops and forestry; dairy; eggs; livestock and livestock products; and ornamental horticulture. "This program encompasses everything from a big farming operation to a small roadside stand," the department states on its website.

The initial application fee is $100. Once approved, producers can display the "Indiana Grown" logo on their approved products for a one-year period. "Only first-quality products, grown in Indiana, that meet the U.S. No. 1 Quality Grade Standard or higher U.S. Grade Standards, whichever is the accepted USDA industry grade standard for that commodity, will be accepted," the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's website indicates. Following initial approval, the subsequent renewal fee is $50.

"We will continue to grow the program," Ellspermann said. "It's a positive program."

As is true nationally, farmers' markets continue to experience good growth in Indiana. "Hoosiers really appreciate the opportunity to meet farmers and feel that trust," she commented. Farmers' markets have become so popular that they are now sponsored by city centers and town halls. "The availability of farmers' markets and local foods encourages people to eat more healthily," Ellspermann added.

According to Ellspermann, a trade mission for the summer of 2014 is being planned to promote Indiana agriculture.

On May 8, Ellspermann presented the 2013 Lieutenant Governor's Hoosier Hospitality Awards at the Statehouse atrium. Ellspermann said the awards are designed to recognize the achievements of employees in tourism-related sectors for the job they to do deliver exceptional service and the ways in which that service contributes to economic and community development.