Virtual farmer’s market launched

In an effort to support local food production, the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Louisville has launched Kentucky Food Trader (www.kyfoodtrader.org), a virtual farmers’ market that connects both buyers and sellers with local food as soon as it is harvested.

Membership is free and by becoming a member of Kentucky Food Trader, farmers and other producers can create an instantaneous listing that identifies the description, quantity, price, and location of their items. Consumers can search listings within specific categories and communicate directly with the farmer to buy the food at the farm, at a farmers’ market, a food co-op, or at another prearranged location.

Pricing and delivery are left up to buyer and seller to work out on their own. Users cannot purchase items directly through the site; they must contact the producer who posted the item to work out pricing and delivery. To maintain quality, the site is monitored and maintained by U of L staff and all information is kept private.

For more information about Kentucky Food Trader, contact Carol Norton at 502-852-8042 or via email at carol.norton@louisville.edu.