Ohio Proud Month Builds Momentum for Ohio Farmers and Businesses

The August celebration may be over, but the momentum behind Ohio Proud continues to grow.

Throughout Ohio Proud Month, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) highlighted the farmers and food producers behind Ohio-made and Ohio-grown products. The celebration also introduced new opportunities to showcase these products through a reimagined Ohio Proud General Store, retail partnerships, community recognition, and legislative visits.

"It's been a summer filled with success for the Ohio Proud program," said Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. "Traveling across the state and meeting the hardworking business owners and producers who bring quality products to Ohio families has been a privilege. More than ever, people want to know where their food comes from, and when they choose an Ohio Proud product, they can trust they're supporting a local business and bringing home a high-quality item grown or made right here in our state."

Ohio State Fair: A Showcase of Ohio Excellence

The momentum around Ohio Proud was on display before August even started, with the debut of the Ohio Proud Showcase inside the Ohio Agriculture Center at the Ohio State Fair. The space featured an expanded Ohio Proud General Store and demonstration kitchen where Ohio Proud partners could showcase their products to the approximately 100,000 fairgoers who visited over the 12-day fair. Sales jumped from $5,565 in 2025 to $38,995 this year, marking a 600 percent increase driven in part by an expanded product selection and strong consumer demand.

Fairgoers visit the Ohio Proud Showcase at the Ohio State Fair.

The new Ohio Agriculture Center at the Ohio State Fair.

Taking the Local Message Statewide

Beyond the fairgrounds, ODA worked with retailers and legislators to strengthen partnerships and grow awareness. Eight Ohio counties officially recognized August as Ohio Proud Month, with county commissioners issuing proclamations and visiting the partner businesses in their communities.

Ohio Proud also participated in four Kroger re-grand openings as part of the "American Made, Ohio Proud" campaign. These events provided another opportunity to amplify local product visibility and strengthen relationships with retail partners.

Creating New Markets

August provided multiple opportunities to grow the program and the customer base for partner businesses. On August 5, Ohio Proud participated in the Indianapolis Fruit Vendor Showcase, connecting with regional retailers and promoting opportunities for Ohio businesses to reach new customers and markets.

Director Baldridge also promoted Ohio Proud to a national audience when he was invited to appear on The Produce Moms Podcast. He spoke on the importance of choosing trusted local products for families and retailers. You can listen to the episode, here.

The month also provided an opportunity for Director Baldridge to present to the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, where he reinforced the connection between local agriculture, workforce development, food innovation, and higher education.

Purina Factory Grand Opening - New Ohio Proud Partner

The month concluded with the grand opening of a new Purina factory in Clermont County, and the announcement that the international company is a new Ohio Proud partner.

Purina's partnership demonstrates that breadth of the program, from family farms to Fortune 500 companies, Ohio Proud is a message businesses across the state can get behind.

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