Local/Regional Foods

Local food is food that is grown within a reasonable distance from where it is eaten. Exactly how local food is defined is as varied as the consumers that buy it. The commonality amongst local food consumers is a commitment to purchase food that ensures social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Buying local food reduces the number of "food miles" between farm and plate, and helps to keep agricultural profits in the local economy.

Links

Production

ISU Department of Horticulture

ISU Organic Agriculture

Progress Report - Growing Raspberries & Blackberries in a High Tunnel - Paul Domoto, Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University - PDF powerpoint presentation - January 29, 2009

High Tunnel Bramble Production - Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University - PDF research report
High Tunnel Bramble Production Resources - Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University - PDF resources

Processing
Food Safety Resources - The goal of the ISU Food Safety Project is to develop educational materials that give the public the tools they need to minimize their risk of foodborne illness.

HACCP Information - Iowa State University

ISU Extension Publications

ISU Food Safety Information

Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions on Food Regulations for Small Market Food Producers, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Learning About Local: a Resource Guide to Iowa Organizations and Programs Supporting Local and Regional Food Systems, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Tools

Bridging the Gap - Are you interested in building a relationship with retail or food service distributors? Are you in the process of building your business? Just follow these simple steps.

Market Maker Iowa - This new Web site offers an interactive mapping tool to assist producers in finding target market areas for products.This new Web site offers an interactive mapping tool to assist producers in finding target market areas for products.

Post Harvest Handling Decision Tool - This guide is provided by Iowa State University Extension Value Added Agriculture Program and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture to provide assistance to the growing number of Iowa's fruit and vegetable growers.

Success Story

Iowa Food Entrepreneurs Resource Guide - This guide is provided by the Iowa State University Extension Value Added Agriculture program as a tool to provide guidance in the development of a food business in the state of Iowa.

Organizations Involved in Local/Regional Foods

Beginning Farmer Program - Beginning farmers may be at early stages of their working life, mid-career, or retired from another occupation. No matter the path to a farming business or the type of farm enterprises involved, good information is important for the success of these new start-ups. The VAA Program has compiled resources to assist new producers in their efforts.
Buy Fresh, Buy Local - organized through Practical Farmers of Iowa
Drake University Agricultural Law Center
Farm to ISU, Iowa State University Dining Services
Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Value Added Agriculture Program