::: the mission

The Mahoning Valley in Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania encompasses one of the most productive agricultural landscapes in the United States. From food and clothing to lumber and baskets, the variety and wealth of farm-based industries can easily be overlooked. By buying locally, you support farms and businesses that make up your local community and regional economy. Fresh, locally-grown foods taste delicious and are healthier for you and it is our goal to help you identify where you can get these foods and other agricultural goods and services. When you buy from a local farmer, you create prosperous farms and businesses that enhance our communities and strengthen our local economy.

The Mahoning Valley Agricultural Guide is the result of the cooperation of concerned citizens, agencies, farmers, vendors, industries, teachers, and consumers who united as a focus group to raise awareness about the use of local agricultural resources for the benefit of all. This web site continues that mission by providing more tools to help consumers Enjoy the Splendor of the Mahoning Valley.

The 2009 Agri Passport to the Splendor of the Valley Farm Tour program expands the services of the Mahoning Valley Agribusiness Focus Group and provides another way to educate consumers while enhancing the connection with local producers.

Come visit our booth at the YSU Summer Festival of the Arts on Wick Avenue in Youngstown, Ohio on July 11th from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. Students can get their Agri Farm Tour Passports stamped at the Northside Farmer's Market while attending this festival!

::: the guide

The Mahoning Valley Agricultural Guide is a free directory to some of the Mahoning Valley's agricultural places of interest. The Guide was formally introduced to the public during the Youngstown State University Arts Festival July 12th. The Mahoning Valley Agribusiness Focus Group had a booth at the street fair that provide information on agriculture.

To get your own free copy of the Mahoning Valley Agricultural Guide 2008, you can print one from the PDF format version (Acrobat Reader required) or you can contact us to send you a Guide. The online version of the Guide will constantly update the Guide's list of agricultural producers in addition to announcing key events.

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::: the producers

Because there is such a variety of products and services related to agriculture, the term "producer" can be found on this site as well as the more familiar term "farmer" to describe a source of agricultural goods. In the Mahoning Valley, many agricultural producers are family farmers who grow or manufacture what they sell, but there are also markets where farmers and related vendors bring their food and merchandise to you, the consumer.

To help you avoid getting lost when exploring what the Mahoning Valley has to offer, use the Markets Map in the online version of the Mahoning Valley Agricultural Guide 2008.

::: ask the Mahoning Valley farmer

In this time of information overload, it can be difficult to separate fact from fantasy. Through the generosity of a real farmer, Mahoning Valley Agribusiness Focus Group can now help you easily find true answers to your questions. Just email the Mahoning Valley Farmer at AskFarmer@MahoningValleyAgriGuide.com with your questions and mysteries. The Mahoning Valley Farmer personally reads all the mail and answers each one.

Check this web site for Mahoning Valley Farmer replies to some of the queries and concerns he receives.

Page updated 3 July 2009

Web site by Charlotte Agustin, ShadowBox Consultants