The local food movement continues to grow nationwide and Kentucky is no exception. There has been an increase in farmers markets as well as an increase in vendors over the last year. This is largely due to the Homebased Microprocessing Program – a collaborative effort with the UK Cooperative Extension Service, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Department for Public Health Food Safety Branch. The program allows Kentucky farmers to add value to their homegrown fruits and vegetables and ultimately increase farm profits.  

Farmers who participate in the program can produce certain acidified and low acid canned foods in their home kitchen using a boiling water bath canner or a pressure canner. Products can be sold from their farm, a farmers market registered with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture or a KY Farm Bureau Certified Roadside Market. Participation in the program has grown statewide. This year 27 workshops were held virtually across the state. A total of 122 participants received certificates. There are currently 157 homebased microprocessors certified to sell canned goods in Kentucky. This is a 10% increase over last year.