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Retail_stores_located in cities with a buy-local campaign reported a three percent increase in sales over the 2009 holiday season, according to a study by Minneapolis-based Institute for Local Self-Reliance. This number is almost double the total increase for all retail stores. As consumers become more concerned with their carbon footprints, people are beginning to wonder where their food comes from. Many organizations are taking the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s country-of-origin labeling one step further with a special label for local products. These labeling programs, often developed by a state’s department of agriculture, also include a database of farmers, producers and retailers who sell or promote local products and are working to promote local, sustainable food. Retailers can use the directory to source local products and reach out to community agricultural enthusiasts in the area and develop a store-wide marketing campaign surrounding the label. Here is a list of state and non-profit-sponsored food labeling programs and ways retailers can take advantage of the information.