USDA-AMS Cooperative Agreement, May 2020 – September 2021 University of Kentucky, Colorado State University, Northeast Regional Center of Rural Development at Pennsylvania State University…
“What would 2020 have looked like if a collaborative network of research, engagement, and outreach across local and regional food system stakeholders, university researchers, and USDA leadership had been in place?” This is the question the Local and Regional Food System (LRFS) Recovery and Resilience project asks as the team reflects upon and examines the lessons, impacts, and successes of the first phase of the LRFS Response to COVID-19 project and frames its future…
The Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health and social distancing mandates caused unprecedented shifts and disruptions for local and regional food systems (LRFS). The pandemic also brought new and heightened attention to the structure and resiliency of US food systems, and LRFS appeared to be positioned to significantly increase the scope and scale of their market reach as a result. Researchers from three universities collaborated with…
A short description of essential considerations for starting a meat processing plant. Considerations include regulations, financials, feasibility, and business planning….
During the pandemic, farmers markets across the country have had questions about how to ensure the health and safety of market vendors and customers by requiring the use of masks at markets. Having a mask policy can help markets mitigate public health risks. However, markets must respect the rights of individuals who are not able to wear a mask due to a disability. Markets can protect themselves from legal risks by assessing their ability…
Many farmers markets have questions about free speech at markets, and in particular, what types of restrictions market rules can place on activities such as leafleting, political campaigning, or protesting. These activities can interfere with the operation of the market. Are farmers markets obligated to allow these types of activities as exercises of free speech under the First Amendment?…
As Tribal nations, communities, and the remaining country respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced resources and program flexibilities supporting continued food access. These opportunities are available for reference here and may be updated as additional information becomes available. Updated as of 3/20/20…
Webinar updates from the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative on impacts of COVID19 to food and nutrition assistance programs, and some of the flexibilities and solutions offered by current COVID19 relief legislation….
The Native Farm Bill Coalition and the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative provided an update about current pandemic response legislation from Congress and what that means for food and nutrition provisions implementation in Indian Country in response to COVID-19….
Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance to help Tribal governments and their legal counsel regarding the use of Coronavirus Relief Funding, a new educational resource with additional information and examples based on guidance and interpretations released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”)….
This Native Farm Bill Coalition publication outlines federal funding and infrastructure needs that could support Indian Country in building enhanced community food systems….
This guide was created to as a resource to navigate the challenging circumstances sparked by COVID-19. Assistance from federal and state programs can make a difference for farmers in this crisis. Download the resource for an outline of current relief programs related to COVID-19 and how they apply to farmers….