U.S. and Colo. Agricultural Leaders Unveil First-Ever Colorado Proud Store at Colorado State Fair

PUEBLO, Colo., Aug. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Government officials, agricultural experts and members of Colorado Proud cut the ribbon of the first-ever Colorado Proud Store, which opened today at the Colorado State Fair, supporting local businesses and connecting consumers to the state's $40 billion agricultural industry.  The Colorado Proud Store was initiated to educate consumers about the financial and environmental value of buying local products, while also making these local products accessible in one venue. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130823/LA68859)

The store is a new concept for Colorado Proud, a 14-year-old program by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to promote Colorado's diversified commodities, and will be open annually at the Colorado State Fair.  On an ongoing basis, consumers can purchase Colorado Proud products at retailers, farmers' markets and restaurants, which helps support the state's economy and ensure the future of Colorado's agricultural industry. 

"The consumer demand for local products continues to increase, so the Colorado Proud Store is one more market we can open to make these local products more available," said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, John Salazar.  "We are excited – and extremely 'proud' – to share the variety of products with State Fairgoers, for the first time ever."

Agriculture is a vital part of Colorado, providing more than 170,000 jobs; contributing more than $40 billion to the state's economy annually; feeding the world with more than $1 billion in exported products; and ranking as one of the state's top industries. 

The Colorado State Fair runs from August 23 through September 2, 2013. 

SOURCE Colorado Proud