An Area Grocery Chain Is Honoring Its Relationship With Local Farmers. Officials With Food City Paid Tribute To The Important Contributions Of Local Farmers At A Special Luncheon In Kingsport Earlier This Week. Company Ceo Steve Smith Said Company Data Shows 84 Percent Of Consumers Support Buying Produce From Local Farmers. The Grocery Store Chain Began Actively Pursuing Agreements With Local Farmers In 2000 And The Total Amount Of Produce Purchased From Them That Year Was In Excess Of Half A Million Dollars. Last Year, That Amount Grew To Ore Than 4.9 Million Dollars.