At Idaho Preferred, we grow together. Join over 300(+) Idaho companies united by a passion for cultivating and offering locally grown food and agricultural products.
Idaho Preferred® is a program of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to identify and promote Idaho food and agriculture products. Currently, over 300 farmers, ranchers, fruit growers, winemakers, bread bakers, specialty foods companies, and nurseries are participants in the Idaho Preferred® program.
testimonials
We are so thankful and proud to be a part of Idaho Preferred! We’ve been given the opportunity to meet local chefs, fellow farmers, and like-minded Idahoans who value local produce like we do. You can’t put a price tag on networking!
Tia Groves, Groves Country Farms (2020)
Garrett Ranches has been a member since the beginning of Idaho Preferred. I was asked to manage our farm stand last year and the first thing I did was to partner closely with them for help with social media marketing, partnering events, and overall support. It was the best decision I made!
Angie Swallow, The Shed at Garrett Ranches (2020)
One of the first things I did after going into business was to join Idaho Preferred. That was one of the best decisions I ever made for my business. They have helped my business increase sales and reach. I got my product into a retail store once just because I had the Idaho Preferred logo on my product!
Bob Wagner, Wagner Foods
Idaho Preferred has been a great support to our business. We love working with those who believe in what we are doing and want us to succeed. It has helped provide more awareness to others of who we are and the opportunities provided on the farm.
In 2003, the Idaho Department of Agriculture launched Idaho Preferred, a strategic marketing program dedicated to supporting Idaho’s agricultural community. Designed to assist a wide range of stakeholders—including consumers, retailers, distributors, restaurants, chefs, farmers markets, and farm-to-school initiatives—the program makes it easier to identify and source locally grown, raised, and crafted agricultural products. Idaho Preferred connects local producers to a variety of channels, fostering stronger relationships and enhancing market opportunities for all involved.
The distinctive Idaho Preferred logo helps residents in the Gem State, as well as those in other states and countries, making it effortlessly simple to spot and support Idaho’s food and agricultural offerings. At its core, Idaho Preferred embodies a shared passion for agriculture, connecting producers with consumers in a meaningful way. Join us in championing the legacy and story of Idaho’s agricultural heritage through every product proudly bearing the Idaho Preferred logo.
Who is eligible?
Farmers, Ranchers, and Growers
Food Processors
Breweries and Winemakers
Crafters and Specialty Food Companies
Wholesalers and Nurseries
Chefs and Restaurants that feature local ingredients
Retailers stocking local products
Distributors and Food Brokers aiding in local procurement opportunities
In addition to these programs, Idaho Preferred® members have the opportunity to use the Idaho Preferred® logo on their packaging, signs, websites, and other promotional materials. Recent market research found that over 40% of consumers statewide recognize the Idaho Preferred® logo. The Idaho Preferred® logo lets current and potential customers know that your products are “The Pick of the Crop from Idaho.”
FArm + Food Finder Listing
Our website simplifies the B2C and B2B identification process and location of Idaho grown, raised, and crafted products by offering, location, and ingredients using our Producer Directory, Farm + Food Finder, and Ingredient Search.
Seasonal Campaigns + Promotion
Exclusive advertising and digital promotions to boost consumer awareness of direct sourcing opportunities and other strategies aimed at elevating your business visibility and growth.
Promo Calendar (coming soon)
Digital Marketing
Through strategic use of our social media channels, newsletters, community calendar events, guides, diverse media platforms, and collaborations with media companies, brands, and influencers, our goal is to elevate consumer awareness regarding the local availability of our products.
Digital Directories + Guides
Our Guides and Directories constitute 15% of our total website traffic, establishing them as invaluable resources for fostering consumer connections and aiding in the discovery of locally available products.
Full List Coming Soon
Community Calendar
Boost your event’s visibility on the Idaho Preferred Community Calendar by featuring consumer-facing events with agricultural integration or local food offerings. This enhances attendance and allows us to assist with promotion.
Use of Logo
Access to and usage of our widely recognized logo on packaging, signage, and marketing materials is exclusively granted to producer members. This label confirms that your product is grown, raised, or agriculturally crafted in the state of Idaho and contains a specific percentage of ag content by weight.
Education
Join our member newsletter to stay informed on education, training, conferences, grants, local industry events, and more. Learn about upcoming webinars and panel discussions for key insights on business development topics. As part of the program perks, you will gain access to an online learning library full of Digital Marketing Lab E-learning Courses and Expert Producer Led Classes to learn more from the comfort of your home in your own time.
Business Development
Eager to inject fresh ideas into your business strategy or in need of a motivational boost, or maybe to learn more about the resources available? Connect with the Idaho Preferred Team for a Strategy Session. Together, let’s uncover strategies to elevate your operation: tackle one-on-one match making with retailers, restaurants, food service, and more, as well as chat through digital and traditional marketing, eCommerce presence, seasonal promotions, and so much more!
Resource Portal
We’ve compiled a membership portal full of supporting organizations, business development resources, marketing kits, and more for each type of operation. From organics to retail, agritourism to CSAs to even working with schools or restaurants, there is so much to learn from. For resources to get you started Review Our Public Business Resource Page to to explore marketing and specialty food manuals, supporting organization resources, and beyond.
Visual Story Telling – Photography & Videography
Discover the captivating Origin Stories of Idaho Preferred Producers, brought to life through the Idaho Preferred program. Specializing in storytelling marketing, the program helps convey powerful narratives that showcase operations and highlight product offerings. Digital assets are produced to effectively communicate these unique stories to both consumers and wholesalers. The goal is to assist in sustaining and expanding market reach, enabling connections with a broader audience and unlocking new opportunities.
MEMBERSHIP TYPES
Which Best Describes Your Operation?
Our mission is clear: we promote, connect, and educate Idaho producers, developing marketplace sustainability or desired growth. Review each producer or partnership packet to learn more about the ways we can support or collaborate with your operation.
Producer
Processor
Retail Partner
Chef or Restaurant Partner
Distibutor or Broker Partner
Supporting Organization Partner
Ready to Join
Read a copy of the Idaho Preferred®Program Rules (pdf) to determine the eligibility of your products. This document is available online or by email.
As an approved Participant in the Idaho Preferred® program, you are entitled to use the Idaho Preferred® logo on product labeling, advertising, signage, letterhead, business cards, and other point-of-sale and promotional material. The digital artwork of the Idaho Preferred® logo will be sent in your Welcome Email and New Member Kit.
To get started with your application, explore the program eligibility criteria decision tree to find what category that fits you best:
The program fee is based on your type of membership. Different types of membership receive different marketing perks.
Note: If you are a procurement-based business membership may be complimentary due to providing aid to producers in sustaining or growing their marketplace.
