Breaking: 'Buy local' food programs deceive consumers and are rarely enforced, a USA TODAY Network investigation finds

Having trouble viewing this email? | View it in your browser   As local-food sales grow into a $20 billion industry, a USA TODAY Network investigation found that state-branding programs designed to inform consumers and support local farmers are deceptive and virtually unregulated. These "buy local" programs purport to connect shoppers with food from their states by affixing logos and stickers to products. Yet most state food-branding programs certify products as "local" even if half the ingredients come from another state or country. FOR MORE ON THIS STORY, GO TO:   USATODAY.COM     Help | Advertise | Home Delivery | Privacy Policy - Your California Privacy Rights     © 2017 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22108