LAKEWOOD, Colo. – From juicy peaches and tender beef to luscious lamb and tempting treats, summer in Colorado showcases a bounty of local products at grocery stores, farmers’ markets and restaurants across the state. To promote Colorado agriculture, Governor Bill Ritter has declared August as Colorado Proud Month.

“The variety of foods Colorado produces is simply amazing,” said John R. Stulp, Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “August is the perfect time to experience the diversity of Colorado agriculture by buying locally grown, raised or processed food products.”

Colorado Proud, created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in 1999, promotes locally grown, raised or processed food and agricultural products to consumers statewide. Currently, the program has more than 1,300 members including growers, processors, restaurants, retailers and associations.

“Agriculture continues to be an important industry in Colorado, and Colorado Proud helps showcase our state’s bounty” said Stulp. “Buying products with the Colorado Proud logo benefits our local farmers, ranchers and processors as well as the state economy.”

To find Colorado products, farmers’ markets, a crop calendar, restaurants and recipes, visit www.coloradoproud.org.

The Governor’s proclamation states:

WHEREAS, the Colorado Proud program promotes the freshest, locally grown agricultural products in the state; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado Proud program is celebrating its 11th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado Proud program helps 1,100 Colorado companies market their food and agricultural products both domestically and internationally, and
WHEREAS, the Colorado Proud program makes it easier for consumers, retailers, and restaurants to buy locally grown and processed products; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado Proud program encourages the state’s chefs to use Colorado-grown items in their daily menus; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado Proud program encourages consumers to buy locally Produced foods which decreases food miles and assists in combating climate change; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado Proud program helps to ensure the future of Colorado’s agricultural industry — an industry that plays a vital role in our state’s economy;
Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim August 2010, COLORADO PROUD MONTH, in the State of Colorado.