Obtaining UPC Barcodes for Sales of Value-Added Agricultural Products
Publication
Alaina Boyd
Extension Assistant
University of Tennessee
Columbia
Team Members:
Leffew, M*1, Boyd, A*2
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Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee Extension, Columbia, Tennessee, 38401
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Extension Assistant, University of Tennessee Extension, Columbia, Tennessee, 38401
Abstract
As of 2022, the estimated economic impact of agricultural sales to food hubs and retail markets in Tennessee is approximately $60.2 million. Many of the value-added agriculture entrepreneurs and direct farm marketers who contribute to this economic impact in Tennessee by engaging in the wholesale of products for resale through distributors, brokers and retail stores are required to have unique Universal Product Codes (UPCs), also referred to as UPC barcodes, to identify their products once on the shelf. In light of the need for UPC barcodes by producers selling to wholesale and retail markets, University of Tennessee Extension specialist Megan Bruch Leffew and Extension assistant Alaina Boyd worked together to produce the recent publication, “Obtaining UPC Barcodes for Sales of Value-Added Agricultural Products (PB 1926)”. This educational publication is intended to address common questions from value-added entrepreneurs concerning how to purchase and obtain UPC barcodes, as well as considerations for how many UPC barcodes are necessary for individual producers. Leffew and Boyd worked to refresh material previously sourced for an outdated publication on obtaining UPC codes. New information on the updated process for obtaining UPC barcodes and licensing considerations from GS1 was compiled by Boyd. Boyd also worked directly with value-added producers via farm visits to photograph and showcase real agricultural product photos in the publication. The publication’s cover image was photographed by Boyd. This publication was initially available in digital format only, with print copies becoming available after initial release. Hard copies are available at the UT Center for Profitable Agriculture and were provided to all ninety-five county Extension offices across the state.
Publication