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…
Topic: Other Resources/Events
Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network
A short description of essential considerations for starting a meat processing plant. Considerations include regulations, financials, feasibility, and business planning….
NAFDMA Agritourism Association
Agritourism operators developed timed, ticketed entry systems to manage the flow of visitors. These systems were often mediated by online platforms. By restricting visitor capacity, farm operators could better allocate resources to create safe conditions for visitors….
CSA Innovation Network
This webinar focuses on how CSA farmers and farmer support organizations are producing new & engaging virtual experiences and learning a lot in the process. Come learn as we discuss the most successful, challenging, and innovative aspects of virtual CSA fairs, farmer field days, fundraising events and farmer-led CSA member events! Speakers include Katie Harvey, Elizabeth Corio, Briana Alfaro, and Lauren Rudersdorf….
CSA Innovation Network
This webinar explores the basic principles of food access and features CSA farmers and support organizations that have developed best practices to connect the CSA model to a broader, more inclusive audience. Speakers include Garrett Ziegler from Michigan State University Extension & West Michigan Growers Group, Mike Edwardson of Plainsong Farm (MI), Liv Froehlich from FairShare CSA Coalition (WI), and Linda Davies of Winter Green Farm (OR)….
National Association Of State Departments Of Agriculture Foundation
State departments of agriculture are working with federal agencies, corporations, and nonprofits to purchase food surpluses from farmers to distribute at food banks. This brief explores the unique strategies and partnerships four state departments of agriculture have used to develop and administer these purchasing programs….
Farmers Market Coalition
Presentation focused on fundraising for farmers markets in the era of COVID-19 which provides an overview of challenges, successful approaches, and lessons learned….
Farmers Market Coalition
For our Summer 2020 COVID Impact survey, the FMC team set a goal of 300 responses across all states, a goal which was met and then exceeded with a final count of 461 market organizations reporting in 50 states. The goal of 300 responses was made based on estimating the number of market organizations operating in the US as 3,000-4,000, estimating because the number of actual organizations is unknown. We focused our surveys on…
LEE Initiative
To maintain these relationships, and to create the foundation for a more resilient restaurant industry, the LEE Initiative provided stipends to local farms in 20 regions across the U.S. to ensure continued food production for restaurants. These farmers were then given a list of selected independent restaurants that could purchase farm products on credit provided by the program. This allowed restaurants to lower ingredient costs while still acquiring local products, providing high-quality food to…
Farmers Market Coalition
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?…
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
New to working in Indian Country and looking for information on ways to engage in tribal communities? Start here….
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
Disruption to food systems, uncertainty, and food access inequities in Indian Country have been exacerbated by COVID-19. How can Tribes cultivate food sovereignty, build healthy and traditional foodways, and facilitate agricultural production? The IFAI team outlines policy-based pathways in this informational video and webinar series….
Students at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy launched the Friedman Food Systems COVID-19 Connector (“Connector”), a service learning program utilizing an online platform to match organizations seeking technical assistance in their responses to COVID-19 to Tufts students with corresponding skills and interests….
Farmers Market Coalition
This Farmers Market Coalition survey is for market organizations that were operating farmers markets anytime during 2020. The purpose is to share the economic impact of COVID-19 on markets with FMC and with market stakeholders….
Farmers Market Coalition
Public markets systems in North America are both agile and fragile. When the coronavirus pandemic caused widespread stay-at-home orders and business closures, many markets across the continent stayed open, continuing to safely provide fresh and healthy food to residents as supply chains were strained and serve as an economic lifeline to farmers and other producers. It was in this extreme context that the Market Cities Initiative at Project for Public Spaces undertook this research…
