Farmers in south-central Kentucky are discussing a partnership with a state park that would lead to more farm-fresh foods being served at the location.
The Glasgow Daily Times reports farmers around Barren River Lake State Resort Park met recently with chef Rick Lenoir to discuss a partnership in which he would purchase more local goods to serve at the park's Driftwood Restaurant.
Lenoir, who started working at Barren River Lake State Resort Park last summer, said his preference is to use locally produced food.
"I want folks to be more aware of what we have around here," Lenoir said.
He told the 12 farmers and three extension agents who attended the meeting that he thinks the initiative will benefit the park and the farmers. He said it would give the park higher quality food and farmers' names would be put on the goods they provide.
"It'd be a nice marketing feature for both of us," Lenoir said.
Park manager Lisa Davis had a similar view of the initiative.
"I feel very strongly that it will be a win-win for the local farmers and the park," Davis said.
In order to partner with the park, farmers must be Kentucky Proud members and trained in good agricultural practices. Davis said the park has a price range set by the state of how much it can pay for goods.
"They are very moderately priced," Davis said. "They don't look to steal your produce."
Lenoir said the park won't sing vendor agreements, but will stand behind all orders requested.
"If I tell you I need it, I've bought it," Lenoir told farmers.
Warren County farmer Sam Coffey said he was on board with the initiative and is looking forward to selling produce to the park.
"This is the first of several venues that I hope to sell wholesale produce to," Coffey said. "I'm very excited.
