The 2013 Buy Fresh, Buy Local Food Guide promotes local farms in Northeast Pennsylvania and is now available for download. The guide aims to inform consumers about the local food options available in their region and features sections on farmers markets, farmers/growers, maple and honey, retail markets, restaurants and bakeries, wineries and winemaking supplies, creameries and other local food resources.

Detailed listings of specialty food resources in Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne counties make this guide a valuable resource for any small business owner in the agribusiness or organic food market. The guide is a product of the Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) Northeast Region Chapter, an initiative of the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and is available in both English and Spanish.

Buying locally grown and produced foods benefits both farmers and consumers. Shopping at farmers markets helps support family farms and revitalizes the local economy. Farmers markets serve as community hubs, and build relationships between members of the local community. Consumers get to know exactly where their food comes from, and can choose produce from farmers they know and trust.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs can contact The University of Scranton SBDC for no-fee consulting on agricultural-based businesses including organic, natural, or specialty foods. The center also schedules educational programs, presentations, and speakers geared towards agribusiness and specialty food markets.  For more information on starting your food business, visit the Pennsylvania SBDC FAQs on Agribusiness.