Reprinted from the blog of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. On May 5, 2021, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the availability of $76.9 million in funding for the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP). FMLFPP has two subprograms – the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) … Continue reading $76.9 million in local and regional food project grants now available
Institutional buyers of fresh, whole produce need assurances that growers followed safe food handling practices during production, harvest and delivery. These buyers may include the food service staff at schools, hospitals, care facilities and others. The US Food and Drug Administration offers guidelines for farmers to follow, known as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). But third-party … Continue reading New tool helps food service evaluate on-farm food safety practices
by Bre Miller, program assistant The seventh annual Community Food Systems Event took place on February 12, 2021. This conference brings together food systems practitioners for networking, sharing resources and learning about food systems projects and efforts occurring across the nation. Due to the unique circumstances of COVID, we hosted this year’s event virtually for … Continue reading ISU Community Food Systems 2021 Annual Event makes the most of virtual format
Kayla Koether wrote this feature as part of a newly released report on the impacts of the 2020 IDALS Local Produce and Protein Grant on the Iowa Food Hub Managers Working Group (FHMWG). Though North Iowa Fresh (NIF) has been building markets for local food in the Clear Lake and Mason City region since 2016, … Continue reading New grant supports North Iowa Fresh, farm to school