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Membership

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.

BECOME ANIDAHO PREFERRED MEMBER

APPLY HERE

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.


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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?

  1. Farmers, Ranchers, and Growers
  2. Food Processors
  3. Breweries and Winemakers
  4. Crafters and Specialty Food Companies
  5. Wholesalers and Nurseries
  6. Chefs and Restaurants that feature local ingredients
  7. Retailers stocking local products
  8. Distributors and Food Brokers aiding in local procurement opportunities
  9. Supporting Organizations/Companies offering producer resources
  10. Idaho Preferred Business Resource Supporter

Why JOIN Idaho PReferred?

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.

Brett- where her passion began

Producer

Processor

Road to Retail Showcase

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:


PRICING TIERS

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.

Member TypeMembership Fee
Producer$100
Processor$150
Supporting Organization$200
Retail, Food Service, Market,
Distributor, Broker
Complimentary

Producer Directory

Look for local product type or ingredient in our Producer Directory.

Learn More

Find Idaho Preferred

Explore locally grown, raised, and crafted items with the Idaho Preferred Farm + Food Finder.

Learn More

Explore Our FreeBusiness Resources

Find producer food business marketing manuals, commercial kitchens, processors, business resources, and more!

Explore

Dive IntoWhat's In Season

Make sure your product or ingredient is showing up on the What’s In Season Calendar and Ingredient Search.

Learn More