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Local Foods: From Farm to Food Service

Since 1999, HRIM Extension faculty and staff have been conducting research and outreach projects to link local, sustainable food producers with foodservice operations. To accomplish this goal, HRIM has completed a number of education, research, and outreach activities for those involved in food procurement.

Presentations

 

Extension Publications

 

 

Additional Resources - Foodservice Operations


Research Thesis


Workshops

Food Safety and Defense for Direct Sales sponsored by the Iowa Food Safety Task Force


On Farm Food Safety Fundamentals funded by the Leopold Center
Impacts of GAPs and Post-harvest Handling Practices Certificate Training on Producers’ On-Farm Food Safety Behaviors and Perceptions of Customer Assurance

A multi-disciplinary team of investigators and ISU Extension specialists have been awarded a $62,946 grant from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The project period is February 2010 – 2012. Catherine Strohbehn PhD, RD, CP-FS, HRIM Extension; Margaret Smith, PhD, ISU Extension Value-Added Agriculture Program; Lester Wilson, PhD, FSHN; and Paul Domoto, PhD, ISUE Horticulture are the members of the project team.

The purpose of this project is to provide training for fruit and vegetable growers (and any other interested food producers) on good agricultural practices (GAP) and post-harvest handling best practices. Eight training workshops will be offered across Iowa with the impact of this training on farmers’ knowledge and implementation of good agricultural practices, improved post-harvest handling best practice, and development of an on-farm food safety plan assessed. The workshops will be offered January – March 2011 and include regional specific GAP information and address the third party audit process. At the completion of the eight regional workshops, producers will receive a certificate of completion for display at points of sale and use in communications with wholesale buyers representing retail foodservices. The effect of this training on farmer customers’ (both consumers and retail food services) assurances of food safety will also be assessed.

1/4/2011 - Food Safety Workshops for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Offered in Seven Locations

>> view past local foods projects

 

Journal Publications