FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2008

For More Information:
Robert Lazaro, PEC, Director of Communications
571.225.0198

PEC Announces Buy Fresh/Buy Local for 2008
Guide Mailed - New Web Site Launched

(Charlottesville, VA) The Piedmont Environmental Council is pleased to announce the Buy Fresh/Buy Local campaign has been launched for the 2008 season.

Last year's inaugural program which helps link consumers with locally produced foods at farms, farmer's markets, retailers and restaurants was a great success on all accounts. Residents of Albemarle County, Greene County and the City of Charlottesville will soon be receiving in their mailboxes during the second week of May a new Buy Fresh/Buy Local Guide. PEC is also pleased to announce a new web site: www.buylocalvirginia.org which will provide residents across the region information on participating farms, merchants and restaurants.

"Last year's program was a great success on all accounts," said Melissa Wiley, Director of Special Projects for the PEC. "85% of farmers listed in the guide reported that their sales increased over the past year and that customers routinely mentioned using the guide a resource for finding local foods. We are excited about this progress and are expanding the program into the Northern Piedmont as well."

For the Albemarle/Charlottesville region PEC is partnering with local gourmet market Feast!, Virginia Cooperative Extension, farmers and business owners to help customers identify and purchase local foods while dining and shopping at restaurants and markets. Area businesses will be utilizing Fresh Buy Local marketing materials and signage to highlight locally grown products on shelves and menus.

"Part of our mission at Feast! is to connect local farmers, artisan food producers and consumers by specifically sourcing and endorsing hand-made, local and seasonal foods that sustain the viability of farmland and family-owned food businesses. It is a pleasure to work with the Piedmont Environmental Council in the continued updating and growing distribution of the Buy Fresh, Buy Local Food Guide which in just one year has made a positive economic impact in our community," said Kate Collier of Feast!.

According to Matt Benson of Virginia Cooperative Extension there is a critical economic impact from increasing the amount of local food purchased in the area. "If each household in the Charlottesville region spent $10 per week on locally produced foods and farm products, it would generate $50.7 million annual dollars of direct economic impact to the region's economy, farms, families and communities!"

Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries. Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life. By buying local foods you will:

• Strengthen Your Local Economy
• Support Endangered Family Farms
• Safeguard Your Families Health

Economic Impact of Supporting Locally Grown Foods
Source: Virginia Cooperative Extension

Counties and Cities of the Thomas Jefferson Region

Albemarle County
$20,313,800

Charlottesville City
$9,499,360

Fluvanna County
$5,135,520

Greene County
$3,622,840

Louisa County
$7,276,880

Nelson County
$4,812,080

Total
$50,660,480