September is Idaho Preferred Month, by proclamation of the Governor of Idaho, honoring our 25,000 farm and ranch families that produce locally grown or raised fruits, vegetables, proteins and 185 other commodities! Now commemorating its 17th year, Idaho Preferred Month is the perfect time to learn about your local food systems and to commit to supporting your local Idaho farmers, ranchers, and food crafters!

IDAHO PREFERRED MONTH IS KIND OF A BIG DILL…

Agriculture is an important cornerstone to Idaho’s economy and heritage, and Idaho Preferred Month is a great time to commit to supporting your local farmers, ranchers and food crafters.

Did you know…?

Idaho’s climate, state-of-the-art irrigation systems, and fertile volcanic soils make for perfect growing conditions of over 185 different crops and commodities.

Idaho ranks as the third largest agricultural state in the West, and second in net farm income. Idaho is 5th in the nation for overall agriculture economy,

Food processing is Idaho’s second largest manufacturing sector, generating 17% of Idaho’s total economic output in sales and 12.5% of GDP. Together, Idaho’s agriculture and food & beverage processing is nearly $20 billion. 

Idaho is the nation’s only “field to bottle” state – meaning we are the only state in the nation that is equipped to grow hops, process hops and then bottle the resulting beer.  

Eating local is a trend that has gained momentum in recent years, and we are so lucky that Idaho is an agricultural state that ranks in the top ten in the nation for the production of so many commodities, like potatoes, barley, peppermint, alfalfa hay, cheese, and milk. When you sit down to your meal, we hope you enjoy the diverse bounty of so many local Idaho ingredients!

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR!

September is synonymous with Idaho Preferred Month, a month-long harvest celebration when Idahoans have abundant access to the most diverse and delicious fruits, vegetables, and other commodities that make us proud to sink our teeth into Idaho grown and crafted foods.

From Burley to Bonners Ferry, Moscow to Minidoka and all the places in between, you can help us celebrate Idaho Preferred Month when you shop or dine out. Just look for the Idaho Preferred label and you know that your produce, protein, fiber, honey, and food products are grown, crafted or raised locally!

CELEBRATE LOCAL WITH US!

During Idaho Preferred Month , we will be spotlighting Idaho’s farm and ranch families with special events, digital promotions and radio spots and live radio events throughout the state with some of our Retail Partners, known as the Idaho Preferred Retail Roadshow!

Red Top Market in Wilder is hosting a harvest celebration with 104.3 WOW Country for Red Top Market’s Thirsty Thursday. Join us for an amazing opportunity to get local with area farmers and food crafters, sample tree-ripened peaches and other fruits, enjoy local BBQ and learn about this multi-passionate farm family. We even have it on good authority there will be numerous giveaways, including a chance to win tickets to see Thomas Rhett!

Harvest Dinner Celebrations make it easy to enjoy your local farm-to-fork experiences. The Taste of Caldwell Harvest Festival is taking place on Indian Creek Plaza on September 10th. The Taste of Caldwell Harvest Festival is an opportunity to connect personally with area farmers, ranchers, and producers and learn more about their operations. A true agrarian celebration!

Boise Co-Op Harvest Festival on September 22nd. The Boise Co-Op’s mission is to provide healthy, delicious food, support local growers and ranchers, and enrich the lives of its customers. This celebration features the food and local growers and producers that you can find at the Boise Co-Op.