[Vision2020] Moscow Food Co-op Local Produce Sales

[Bill London]

With all the talk now about high transport costs for food, dwindling oil 
supplies, and eating fresh foods, the subject of  locally-produced food is 
one of the latest hot topics.  Well, here's what the Moscow Food Co-op has 
been doing about it for the last few years. BL


 *Moscow Food Co-op Local Produce Sales Increase 340 Percent in Two Years*
>
> Local produce sales increased nearly 340 percent from 2005 to 2007 at the 
> Moscow Food Co-op. Local produce sales jumped from $11,196 in 2005 to 
> $39,000 in 2006; almost a 250 percent increase. Sales in 2007 increased to 
> $49,000 over the previous year; a 26 percent increase. With increasing 
> public awareness about local food systems and increasing fuel costs, the 
> Co-op is expecting record local produce sales in 2008.
>
> “The Co-op always has been, and continues to be, committed to supporting 
> and encouraging local farmers to the greatest extent possible,” says Co-op 
> produce manager, Scott Metzger. The Co-op works with 30 local growers who 
> grow over 100 unique varies of produce. Local produce is defined as any 
> produce grown in a county that touches Latah County, while regional 
> produce is any produce grown in a state touching Idaho.
>
> To find local produce at the Co-op look for the “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” 
> signs throughout the store.
>
> The Co-op is located at 121 East Fifth Street in downtown Moscow.
>
>