"Geographical indications are indications that identify a good as originating in the territory of a Member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin. Examples of geographical indications from the United States include: "FLORIDA" for oranges; "IDAHO" for potatoes; "VIDALIA" for onions; and "WASHINGTON STATE" for apples. Geographical indications are valuable to producers for the same reason that trademarks are valuable."  --US Patent and Trademark Office

The MISSISSIPPI RIVER HILLS is a distinct ecological region (green on map) surrounding a scenic section of the Mississippi River.  In Missouri, the region is contained within six counties:  Jefferson, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Cape Girardeau, and Scott.  In the future, we hope to include the companion ecological region in Illinois.

The Mississippi River Hills is serving as the pilot region for the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project, which seeks to market Missouri wine and food products using distinct labels of origin based on ecological regions of the state.  Labels of origin have been used for centuries in European countries to identify food and wine products based on the region in which they are produced -- allowing the consumer to distinguish among the unique tastes and attributes of products from different areas. This identification of Missouri products will mean greater recognition and economic opportunities for our state's food producers, tourism industry, and rural communities.

Regional participants formed the Mississippi River Hills Association (MRHA) in March of 2007.  They have received their state tax-exempt status and are working on incorporating as a 501(c)6 not-for-profit corporation. 

A board of directors oversees the continued development of the project.  The board consists of two representatives from each of the six counties and two representatives from each of the six identified stakeholder groups.  Those stakeholders are: artisans, hospitality and tourism, local governments, food producers, retailers of locally produced goods, and wineries and vineyards.
 

MRHA PURPOSE

The MISSISSIPPI RIVER HILLS ASSOCIATION (MRHA) works to promote, protect, enhance and market the agricultural products, foods, wines, arts, crafts, sites and services within the region.

VISION

The MISSISSIPPI RIVER HILLS ASSOCATION strives to enhance the economic, cultural, historical, and educational value of the region.

CORE VALUES

1. Preserving and protecting our unique regional identity
2. Honoring regional customs, culture, and traditions
3. Strengthening the regional economy by supporting entrepreneurship, agriculture, and by developing rural and specialty tourism markets
4. Promoting conservation of the environment
5. Preserving and sharing the beauty and history of the region’s natural and agricultural landscapes
6. Sharing information and resources locally and with other regions

The 2008 Mississippi River Hills Board of Directors

• Octavia Scharenborg, Show-Me Fresh Farm (VICE-PRESIDENT)

Jefferson County:

• Debbie Baker, Herbs n' Handspun
• Elmer Bollinger

Perry County:

• Kate Martin, Perryville Republic-Monitor
• Steve Frye, Eggers & Co. (PRESIDENT)

St. Francois County:

• Ron Hale, Hale Farms
• Brenda Carrow (SECRETARY/TREAS)

Ste. Genevieve County:

• Keith Kinkade, National Tiger Sanctuary

Scott County:

• Lynn Williams, Sikeston-Miner CVB

• Sara Drost
• Becky Millinger

Hospitality and Tourism:

• Judy McGee
• Shirley Williams

Local government:

• (vacant)

Producers:

• Steve Baetje
• Kenny Williams

Retailers of local products:

• Teresa Meier, Meier Horse Shoe Pines
• Herb Fallert, Show-Me Shop

Wineries and vineyards

• Elaine Hoffmeister Mooney, Ste. Genevieve Winery
• Jennifer Johnson, Chaumette Winery