Scroll down for a complete list of the product categories and corresponding definitions we are using for the Local Food Counts project. 

Meat and Meat Products

Product definition

Meat and meat products are defined as any animal protein product composed of beef, pork, poultry, lamb, or game meats. This does not include dairy products, seafood, eggs, or plant-based meat substitutes in your answer.

Locally sourced definition

Meat and meat products are defined as being derived from an animal that was raised for a substantial period of its life in New England (meaning the animal was harvested in New England and lived in New England for at least one third of its life or one year) and sold in New England.

Seafood Products

Product definition

Seafood products are defined as any animal protein product composed of finfish, shellfish, or mollusks (eg. fresh haddock, smoked salmon, canned tuna, live lobster, frozen scallops, etc.)

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced seafood is defined as finfish, crustaceans, or mollusks harvested in New England waters and sold in New England.

Dairy Products

Product definition

Dairy products are defined as any fluid milk, cheese, cream, butter, ice cream, or yogurt product derived from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, or other animals. This does not include any non-dairy milk or nut butter.

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced dairy products are defined as any product derived from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, or other animals raised in New England and sold in New England.

Egg and Egg Products

Product definition

Egg and Egg products are defined as shell eggs or 100% egg products (eg. bulk liquid eggs, frozen egg patties, etc.) derived from poultry birds only.

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced eggs and egg products are defined as shell eggs or 100% egg products processed or derived from poultry birds raised in New England and sold in New England.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Product definition

Fresh fruits and vegetables are defined as any raw unprocessed fruit or vegetable. This does not include grains, grasses, nuts, seeds, or fruit or vegetable juices.

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables are defined as any raw unprocessed fruit or vegetable grown in New England and sold in New England. This does not include grains, grasses, nuts, seeds, or fruit or vegetable juices.

Processed Fruits and Vegetables

Product definition

Processed fruits and vegetables are defined as any canned, frozen, or dried fruit or vegetable product, including 100% fruit and vegetable juices. This does not include any grains, grasses, nuts, seeds, or fruit-flavored beverages that are not 100% fruit or vegetable juice.

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced processed fruits and vegetables are defined as any canned, frozen, or dried fruits or vegetables, including 100% fruit and vegetable juices grown or processed in New England and sold in New England. This does not include any grains, grasses, nuts, seeds, or fruit-flavored beverages that are not 100% fruit or vegetable juice.

Grain Products and Baked Goods

Product definition

Grain products and baked goods are defined as processed grain-based products including breads, rolls, tortillas, flours, cakes, cookies, rice, or other grains.

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced grain products and baked goods are defined as products either manufactured by a company headquartered in New England or containing a majority (>50% by volume, excluding water) of ingredients grown or substantially processed in New England and sold in New England.

Alcoholic Beverages

Product definition

Alcoholic beverages are defined as beer, wine, spirits, or beverages with an alcohol content greater than 0.5% ABV.

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced alcoholic beverages are defined as being manufactured by a company headquartered in New England or containing a majority (>50% by volume, excluding water) of ingredients grown or substantially transformed in New England and sold in New England.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Product Definition

Non-alcoholic beverages are defined as any beverage other than bottled water, cream, fluid milk, or 100% fruit or vegetable juice with an alcohol content of ≤ 0.5% ABV. Examples include soft drinks, soda, iced tea, flavored seltzers, and non-alcoholic kombucha.

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced non-alcoholic beverages are defined as being manufactured by a company headquartered in New England or containing a majority (>50% by volume, excluding water) of ingredients grown or processed in New England and sold in New England.

Sweeteners

Product definition

Sweeteners are defined as honey, maple sugar products (including maple syrup), other syrups

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced sweeteners are defined as being harvested or manufactured by a company headquartered in New England or containing a majority (>50% by volume, excluding water) of ingredients grown or processed in New England and sold in New England.

All other food products

Product definition

All other food products include edible foods including nuts and nut butters, chocolate, confections, coffee and tea products, or any other food item, excluding water, not included in any of the previous questions.

Locally sourced definition

Locally sourced other foods are defined as all other foods not included in the previous categories that were either manufactured by a company headquartered in New England or containing a majority (>50% by volume, excluding water) of ingredients grown or substantially processed in New England and sold in New England.

Additional information on the basis for these definitions can be found here:
Act 129: Local Definition | Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets (vermont.gov)