FARMINGTON – Farms will receive free publicity in a community campaign to promote the purchase of fresh food from local farmers.

A network of local food enthusiasts from Franklin and Somerset counties is working to update and publish directories of farms where locally grown and raised foods can be purchased.

“The booklet will highlight sources for fresh healthy breads, cheeses, eggs, fruits and berries, meats, milk, vegetables and seedlings. Farm tours, pick-your-own and value-added products can also be included. The booklet will be distributed free of charge in May,” said Kathleen Beauregard, project coordinator for the Western Mountains Alliance.

As part of a two-year grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Western Mountains Alliance will publish and distribute the 2007 edition of the booklet, with support and volunteerism from community partners and farmers.

This project is part of the alliance’s Eat Smart Eat Local initiative to build a vital local foods economy in western Maine. To learn more, go to www.westernmountainsalliance.org. Farmers from both counties who would like to be listed in the booklet may contact Beauregard at 778-3885 prior to April 20.