Robert M. Kerr

Food and Agricultural Products Center

 

In Oklahoma, April has been designated as Made in Oklahoma Month. Most Oklahomans know we have a Made in Oklahoma (MIO) program but don’t really understand that there are two MIO programs, what the differences are and what all they do. They also don’t understand how the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center has a role and partnership in some of the behind-the-scenes actions in these programs.

 

There are two programs, the free program, called Made in Oklahoma, and the Made in Oklahoma Coalition, which has a membership fee and other additional requirements. Both programs have similar goals to promote the awareness of agricultural products made in Oklahoma and are funded by allocated state dollars through the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). 

 

The free Made in Oklahoma Program allows any in-state company that produces a food or agricultural product to be listed on the madeinoklahoma.net website, use the official logo and take advantage of various cost share promotional activities such as participating in the Made in Oklahoma section of the state fair. This program is funded through public dollars and is geared for start-up companies, although any size company may join.

 

The Coalition has a different logo than the free program and was started primarily for established food and beverage companies. In addition to the annual fee, the program requires an annual membership fee and a yearly sales requirement, is retail and food service oriented and has a separate website. This program is paid for through both public and private dollars. Members can also take advantage of various cost-share marketing opportunities such as television commercials, social media ads, and events that can often go beyond Oklahoma’s borders. There are currently about 96 members in the Coalition.

 

What does FAPC have to do with the MIO programs and why is it important FAPC is involved, especially since it is managed and run by ODAFF? 

 

An obvious reason is that FAPC helps these MIO companies every day and FAPC’s mission is to help discover, develop and deliver technical and business information that stimulates and supports the growth of value-added food and agricultural products and processing in Oklahoma. The entrepreneurs we work with are introduced early on about the benefits of MIO as they attend Basic Training Workshop for Entrepreneurs.  Organizations such as ODAFF often get inquiries about individuals wanting to start a food business and join MIO. ODAFF then connects the entrepreneur or business to FAPC so we can assist and work to get their products to market so they can join MIO.

 

FAPC is an associate member of the Coalition and I serve on the Board of Directors and chair the Member Organization and Education (MOE) subcommittee. There are several additional subcommittees including a foodservice, retail, social media and special events subcommittee. Coalition members are encouraged to attend subcommittee meetings and become involved. MOE was formed to help welcome and give a connection to new members and assist less experienced members with topics and business situations that new members might not yet understand or be familiar with at this point in their business. As chair of MOE, I also work to keep the member pages current and correct on the MIO Coalition website.

 

The Coalition has a lot going each month with the different promotional activities that are planned each year by the board of directors. As a board member, I help decide how our allocated dollars are budgeted and spent for the following year. This includes media marketing plans, cost shared marketing opportunities that members can buy into, money for special events such as the annual MIO Food Expo and the MIO Legislative Reception. In addition, the board meets multiple times a year to interview prospective new members who wish to join the Coalition.

 

The MIO programs are funded primarily through dollars allocated by the Oklahoma’s legislators. FAPC does an economic impact about every other year to show how much these MIO companies contribute to our state’s economy. These numbers are touted all year long to help justify the need for this funding and to keep MIO in the forefront of legislators and the public.

 

FAPC is and always has been a great resource for MIO members. I often hear of an issue a company is having at an MIO meeting and I will jump in and offer to help or remind them that FAPC can assist in solving their problem.

 

I hope to continue to serve on the board and be involved in MIO for many years to come. I enjoy it and understand the relationships and mentorships built through MIO, FAPC and ODAFF plays a significant part in the success we have had to make Oklahoma a great place to have a food business. Here’s to celebrating April as Made in Oklahoma month.