b'AGRICULTUREIt has exploded and now includes broad-based support, says Chiles, who owns Jubilee Orchards near Tallahassee, Florida. We are reaching farmers and consumers from across the country, and gaining support from parents concerned about the health and safety of the food they serve their families. For several years, the Buy American Made slogan has UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIAdrawn attention to the importance of purchasing products manufactured in the U.S.; however, the message falls short when it comes to food production. For too long people have had the wool pulled over their eyes on where their food comes from, says Chiles, who raises organic blueberries on his 50-acre farm. It starts with education. We need consumers to be aware of where their food comes from, UGA Report: Jeffrey H. Dorfman, University of Georgiaand then pressure retailers to carry American grown products in professor of agricultural and applied economics the grocery stores. Joining forces with farmers and ranchers from across the country,How can the average consumer help? Chiles says its as simple Goodman is an active participant in the American Grown initiative.as having a conversation with your local supermarket or retail A grassroots effort that started last year, American Grown Inc. has amanager. Request American grown products, especially mission to educate and empower people to protect Americas foodwhen items are in season and available locally. Also, if they are supply chain. stocking food from third world countries, find out why. As Americans, we are in this fight together to leave our world aCautioning that food labels can be misleading, Chiles says, Five better place, says Goodman, who, along with his in-laws, Johnnyyears ago, we had a clear country of origin labeling system, and and Joy Crumbley, own Cogdell Berry Farm. And this meansnow that has been muddled. For example, beef from Brazil or As Americans, we are in this fight together to leave our world a better place. And this means leaving our children with a safe and abundant food supply for the future.- RUSS GOODMANleaving our children with a safe and abundant food supply for theMexico can come into the U.S. and get repackaged to look like future. its an American product. The labels should clearly state if the product is foreign or domesticright now, its hard to tell.With an active social media presence and a website showcasing heartfelt testimonials from farmers and ranchers in the trenches, theThrough American Grown, growers and producers can gain Demand American Grown message is striking a positive responsecertification and authorization to use American Grown and from across the country. Demand American Grown labels on packaging, boxes, or affix directly on vegetables. Lawton Bud Chiles III, executive director of American Grown Inc., says the movement started with a handful of Florida and GeorgiaBuying American products supports American jobs, says U.S. farmers. Rep. Buddy Carter (Pooler-GA). These are jobs that support28 SG MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020'