Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: August 3, 2007

AgriMissouri™ Finds Ways to Reach Out to More through Podcasts

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) AgriMissouri™ program has added a new feature to their Internet site where consumers are given the opportunity to listen to business owners and farmers describe how their businesses were started, discuss weather impacts and describe unique ways to use Missouri products.

“Missourians use technology everyday to obtain information and make their lives easier,” said Gov. Matt Blunt.  “I have encouraged state agencies to use technology to find new ways to provide services to and communicate with Missourians.  One of our goals is to provide Missourians with new ways to interact with their state government so they can choose the option that is most convenient for them.”

The AgriMissouri™ Showcase located at www.agrimissourishowcase.com invites visitors to listen to podcasts directly from the Internet site or download them to an MP3 player for later listening.

"This new feature on our Internet site will allow consumers to get to know Missouri’s farmers and agribusinesses," said Katie Smith, director of MDA. "The podcast offers many opportunities to learn about agritourism, farming and Missouri products.  With this initiative and others the Department is answering the governor’s call to use technology to provide additional services and easy-to-access information for Missourians.  We are also hopeful that our use of new communications technology such as podcasts will encourage more young people to consider a career in Missouri agriculture."

New podcasts are posted twice each month and will feature a variety of topics that relate to AgriMissouri™ members and consumers.  This month, consumers are learning about why a Missouri restaurant prefers to use local Missouri products as well as learn about barbecue sauces and seasonings produced in the state. 

“All of the producers and businesses featured on the AgriMissouri™ Showcase are AgriMissouri™ members,” said Sarah Gehring, member services coordinator with AgriMissouri™. “AgriMissouri is dedicated to finding new opportunities for our members to market their products and promote products grown, raised and processed in our state.”

To listen to a podcast, visit the AgriMissouri™ Showcase at www.agrimissourishowcase.com or visit www.mda.mo.gov.

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