NE1012: Sustaining Local Food Systems in a Globalizing Environment: Forces, Responses, Impacts

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[12/16/2003] [01/14/2005] [03/13/2007] [11/30/2008] [12/31/2007]

Date of Annual Report: 12/16/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/03/2003 - 10/05/2003
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2002 - 10/01/2003

Participants

Participants Attachment:

Attachment

Brief Summary of Minutes

Objective 1: Participants discussed their work related to Objective 1 (Collaborate with local food system stakeholders and food citizensto identify high priority information needs and the forms in which information should be shared). It was decided that all project participants working on this objective should send written information on their methodologies or procedures used within the framework of Objective 1 should be sent to Mike Hamm, who in turn will post them on the projects Blackboardsite, hosted by Beth Barham of the University of Missouri.

Objective 2: Participants working on Objective 2 ( Identify and analyze ongoing and potential forces that are maintaining or transforming the relationships between localities and their food systems) summarized their progress in meeting this objective. They reiterated the utility of the incorporated comparisons methodology for research related to this objective. It was decided that project participants working on this objective will send Beth Barham a list of the most significant trends or forces effecting localities and food systems in their state. The time frame should extend back to at least 1975.

Objective 3: Participants discussed their work related to Objective 3 (Examine the diverse strategies employed by local food system stakeholders to create and manage ongoing and potential change in the food system). It was agreed that participants working on this objective would address the eleven questions articulated in the project proposal. It was decided that brief, preliminary answers to these questions for the respective states would be sent to Viviana Carro-Figueroa.

Objective 4: Participants working on Objective 4 (Document and assess the economic, environmental and social impacts of efforts to create and manage ongoing and potential change in the food system) summarized their work related to this objective. Because the objective involves a new research approach for most participants, it was agreed that more needs to be done in pursuit of this objective by individual states before decisions could be made on how best to coordinate activities of the states involved.

Accomplishments

Much was accomplished during the year toward the milestones of making progress meeting Objective 1. Research protocols were developed by each of the states working on this objective and applied in at least some preliminary research. The decision to share the methodologies developed in a common location will facilitate the sharing of information across the states. Moreover, the several publications were produced involving collaborations of researchers in different states (see below). Project participants also collaborated with food system stakeholders and food citizens in their respective states. Examples include (1) the organization of the fifth annual Food For Thought festival and the Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch Project for three elementary schools in Wisconsin; (2) sponsoring a Food Summit in Minnesota that brought together various stakeholders of local food systems in the state; (3) posting of foodshed reports on a website maintained by California project members; (4) conducting focus groups with stakeholders in Puerto Rico; (5) formation of the Community, Food, and Agriculture Program (CFAP) at Cornell University in New York; and, (6) surveys of farmers market participants by project members in Michigan and Kansas.

Publications

Bells, A.C. and M.W. Hamm. 2003. International Effects On and Inspiration for Community Food Security Policies and Practices in the U.S. Critical Public Health, 13(2):107-123. Bellows, A.C. and M.W. Hamm. 2003. U.S.-Based Community Food Security: Influences, Practice, Debate. Journal for the Study of Food and Society 6(1)31-44. Bingen, Jim. 2002. Guest Editor. Shaping our Agro-Food System: Whose Standards Count? Guest Editor Observations. Special Issue. Agriculture and Human Values. 19, 4 (Winter): 279-281. Bingen, Jim, and Andile Siyengo. 2002. Standards and Corporate Reconstruction in the Michigan Dry Bean Industry. Agriculture and Human Values. 19, 4 (Winter): 311-323. Bingen, Jim. 2002. Michigan Organic: Power in Making the Numbers Known. Michigan Organic Connections. IX, 5: 1, 3. (September/October). Bingen, Jim. 2003. Making Our Voice Heard. Michigan Organic Connections. X,2: 1, 6 (April/May/June). Carro-Figueroa, V. 2002. Agricultural Decline and Food Import Dependency in Puerto Rico: A Historical Perspective on the Outcomes of Postwar Farm and Food Policies. Caribbean Studies 30 (2):77-107. Carro-Figueroa, V. 2002. Global Trade and Technological Change in Roots and Tubers: The Case of Puerto Rico. Pp. 68-78 in Proceedings of the 38th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society. Lamentin, Martinique: AMADEPA-CFCS. Carro-Figueroa, V. and A. Guptill. 2003. Emerging Farmers Markets and the Globalization of Food Retailing: A Perspective from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico. Paper presented in the 2003 joint meetings of the Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society and the Association for the Study of Food and Society, Austin, Texas, June 15. DeLind, Laura, and Jim Bingen. 2003. Be Careful What You Wish For: Democratic Challenges and Political Opportunities for the Michigan Organic Community. Paper presented for our session, Searching for the C Word: Michigan Cases in Civic Agriculture at the joint meetings of the Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society and the Association for the Study of Food and Society, June 12-15, 2003, Austin TX. Revised version accepted for publication in Clare Hinrichs and Tom Lyson (eds.) Remaking the North American Food System. DeLind, Laura B. 2002. Community Supported Agriculture 2002: The State of the Art in Michigan. National Farmers Union, Economic and Cooperative Development. DeLind, Laura B. 2003. Chapter 11: Considerably More than Vegetables, A Lot Less than Community: The Dilemma of Community Supported Agriculture, in Fighting for the Farm: Rural America Transformed, Jane Adams, ed., Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. 2003. Pp.192-206. DeLind, Laura B. 2002. Place, Work, and Civic Agriculture: Common Fields for Cultivation. Agriculture and Human Values 19(3): 217-224. Feenstra, Gail, Christopher Lewis, C. Clare Hinrichs, Gilbert Gillespie, Jr., and Duncan Hilchey. 2003. Entrepreneurial outcomes and enterprise size in U.S. retail farmers markets. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 18(1): 46-55. Feenstra, Gail, Jeri Ohmart and David Chaney; with contributions from Mark Mulcahy and Kris Pustina. 2003. Selling Directly to Restaurants and Retailers. http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/cdpp/selldirect.pdf. University of California, Davis: UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program. Gandee, Jesse. 2003. Modeling Direct Farm marketing in West Virginia: A Spatial, Policy, and Profit Analysis. M.S. Thesis. West Virginia University [http://etd.wvu.edu/templates/showETD.cfm?recnum=2842]. Gandee, J., G. DSouza, and C. Brown. 2003. The Role of Spatial and Demographic Characteristics in Direct Farm Marketing: An Econometric Approach. Selected paper, American Agricultural Economics Association annual meeting, Montreal, Canada, July 27-30. Gillespie, Gilbert W., C. Clare Hinrichs, Gail W. Feenstra, and Duncan L. Hilchey. 2003. Farmers Markets: (Re)Building a Better Food System Infrastructure through Small Business Incubation. Joint annual meetings of Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society and Association for the Study of Food and Society, Austin, Texas, June 12-15. Hamm, M.W. 2003. Shifting From Food as a Commodity to Food as a Community, Proceedings of the Farm to School Cafeteria Partnerships Conference (Ithaca, NY), p. 111-115. Hamm, M.W. and D. Fischer. 2003. Lessons from K through 12 Farm-to-School Projects. Proceedings of the Farm to School Cafeteria Partnerships Conference (Ithaca, NY), p. 92-93. Hamm, M.W. and Bellows, A.C. 2003. Community Food Security and Nutrition Educators. Journal of Nutrition Education 35(1):37-43. Hinrichs, C. Clare, Gilbert W. Gillespie and Gail W. Feenstra. 2003. Social learning and innovation at retail farmers‘ markets. Rural Sociology. Accepted for publication. Hinrichs, C. Clare, and Rick Welsh. 2003. The effects of the industrialization of U.S. livestock agriculture on promoting sustainable production practices. Agriculture and Human Values 20: 125-141. Hinrichs, C. Clare. 2003. The practice and politics of food system localization. Journal of Rural Studies 19(1): 33-45. Hinrichs, C. Clare. 2003. Putting (Which) Actors in (What) Place: Dilemmas in Locating Local Food. Annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society, Montreal, Quebec, July 27-29. Jaffee, Daniel, Jack Kloppenburg, and Mario Monroy. 2003 . Bringing the moral charge home: fair trade within the North and within the South. Forthcoming in Rural Sociology. Lass, Daniel, G.W. Stevenson, John Hendrickson, and Kathy Ruhf. 2003. CSA Across the Nation: Findings from the 1999 CSA Survey. A report published by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, UW-Madison, November. Lyson, Thomas A. 2002. Advanced agricultural biotechnologies and sustainable agriculture. Trends in Biotechnology 20:193-196. Lyson, Thomas A. and Amy Guptill. (forthcoming). Commodity agriculture, civic agriculture and the future of U.S. farming. Rural Sociology. Lyson, Thomas A. 2003. Civic agriculture. In Encyclopedia of Community. Great Barrington, MA: Berkshire Publishing Group. Lyson, Thomas A. 2003. Agricultural scale and community quality. In Encyclopedia of Community. Great Barrington, MA: Berkshire Publishing Group. Peters C, Fick G, Wilkins J. 2003. Forging a link between agriculture and nutrition: can the Food Pyramid help translate dietary recommendations into agricultural goals? Agronomy Journal. Nov/Dec. Peters CJ, Bills N, Wilkins JL, and Smith RD. 2003. Fruit Consumption, Dietary Guidelines and Agricultural Production in New York State - Implications for Local Food Economies. Research Bulletin 2003-02, Department of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University. http://aem.cornell.edu/research/researchpdf/rb0302.pdf Stevenson, G.W. and Holly Born. 2003. The Red Label Poultry System in France: Lessons for Renewing an Agriculture-of-the-Middle in the U.S. Submitted for inclusion in the edited book, Remaking the North American Food System. Stevenson, G. W. and Kathy Ruhf, Sharon Lezberg, and Kate Clancy. 2003. Warrior, Builder, and Weaver Work: Exploring Change Strategies in the North American Food System. Submitted for inclusion in the edited book, Remaking the North American Food System. Stouder, Heather, Jack Kloppenburg, and Sara Tedeschi. 2003. The Potential of Public Schools in Madison, Wisconsin, as Markets for Local Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Assessing the Myths and Realities of Seasonality, Price, Transaction Costs, and Prep Labor. A report prepared for the North Central Initiative on Small Farm Profitability, October.

Impact Statements

This is a new project. No impacts to report at this time.

Date of Annual Report: 01/14/2005

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 11/05/2004 - 11/07/2004
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2003 - 12/01/2004

Participants

Barham, Elizabeth, University of Missouri, Dept. of Rural Sociology;
Bingen, Jim, Michigan State University, Dept. of Community, Ag., Rec., and Res. Studies;
Brown, Cheryl, West Virginia University, Div. of Resource Management;
Carro-Figueroa, Viviana, University of Puerto Rico, Agricultural Experiment Station;
DeLind, Laura, Michigan State University, Dept. of Anthropology;
Feenstra, Gail, U. of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program;
Gillespie, Jr., Gilbert W., Cornell University, Dept. of Development Sociology;
Hamm, Mike, Michigan State University, Dept. of Community, Ag., Rec., and Res. Studies;
Hinrichs, C. Clare, Pennsylvania State University, Dept. of Ag. Econ. and Rural Sociology;
Jussaume, Raymond, Washington State University, Dept. of Community and Rural Sociology;
Lev, Larry, Oregon State University, Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics;
Lyson, Thomas A., Cornell University, Dept. of Development Sociology;
Murray, Helene, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture;
Stevenson, Steve, U. of Wisconsin, Dept. of Rural Soc. and Ctr. for Integrated Ag. Systems;
Thomson, Joan S., Pennsylvania State University, Dept. of Ag. and Ext. Education;
Wilkins, Jennifer, Cornell University, Div. of Nutritional Sciences.

Others in attendance:
Allen, Patricia, UC Santa Cruz, Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems;
Berard, Laurence, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (France);
Clancy, Kate, Union of Concerned Scientists;
Dahlberg, Kenneth, Western Michigan University, Dept. of Political Science;
Guptill, Amy, SUNY College at Brockport, Dept. of Sociology.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Fall 2004 marks the start of the third year of NE-1012. For this meeting we had five main goals:

1. Assess our progress on all objectives, but particularly Objective 2 (understanding forces impacting the food system) and Objective 3 (examining strategies local food system stakeholders are using to create positive change).

2. Prepare for more in-depth collaborative work on data collection, data analysis, and research funding.

3. Begin an overarching comparative analysis to form the basis of academic publications and outreach research.

4. Make specific plans for completing the third year report.

5. Discuss common goals and findings with MRP NC-1001.

All of these goals were addressed to some degree. After completing state reports, we formed six subgroups to address substantive and methodological areas of collaboration. The four substantive groups are charged with the responsibility to identify common research themes, summarize the opportunities and barriers confronting the change-strategies they are researching, specify policy implications of their findings, address opportunities for collaborative funding, and plan professional presentations of their work. This strategy accomplished goals 1 and 2 and set the stage for goal 3.

The Technical Committee as a whole addressed goals 4 and 5. Administrative advisor Max Pfeffer briefed the group on the rationale for and requirements of the third year report. Based on that information, the Technical Committee decided to prepare the report soon after the annual report is complete. We also met jointly with NC-1001 twice during the weekend and discussed plans for a joint meeting to brief CSREES on the funding needs for interdisciplinary research on food systems and the potential of this research for supporting food security and economic vitality in rural communities and regions.

In addition, we planned a tentative date for next year's meeting and made plans to increase our use of Blackboard, a collaborative online software program, to facilitate cooperation. Major decisions and developments from the Technical Committee meeting are outlined below.

Joint Meeting and Prospective Collaboration with NC-1001 Participants. In addition to the above mentioned NE-1012 attendees, in this section of the meeting participants included Lois Wright Morton (Iowa State Univ.), Lorna Michael Butler (Iowa State Univ.), Alex McIntosh (Texas A&M), Ardyth Gillespie (Cornell Univ.), Richard Moore (Ohio State Univ.) and Liz Tuckermanty (USDA-NPL). The two groups initially met on Friday evening and briefly introduced to each other their work. NC-1001 is examining the impacts of variations in the structure of agriculture, food systems and communities on population health. NE-1012 is examining policies, projects and events that influence local food systems. While the NC-1001 research focuses on population health outcomes, and NE-1012 focuses on local food system outcomes, both groups consider community, agriculture, and economy as independent variables in their studies. There appear to be some methodological differences between our approaches: NC-1001 tends to use large data sets in their analyses, while NE-1012 takes more participatory and sometimes qualitative approaches. Both would like to further address the question of useful linkages among the two projects. Liz Tuckermanty suggested that one way to share information and illustrate for CSREES how it might better support this type of research, is to organize a Program Conference between the two committees using a $20K USDA internal grant targeted for conferences. If the proposal is approved, Lorna Butler volunteered that her office at Iowa State could provide a match for the USDA grant. The groups agreed to revisit this possible outcome in a second joint meeting on Saturday afternoon.

The following decisions related to this topic were taken in the Saturday meeting:

Liz Tuckermanty will apply for the internal USDA Systems Innovation Grant, with assistance of Lorna Butler and Kate Clancy. Some things to decide include:

1. When? Deadline for grant is mid-Dec. for April or May with funds from USDA. (The proposal drafters later suggested aiming to do the event in September 2005).

2. Duration? Perhaps 2 days.

3. Location? Ideally a retreat setting near a major air hub. Washington DC, Chicago, Denver, Wingspread Conference Center near Milwaukee, or Glynwood Center near Albany were mentioned as possibilities.

4. Who? Sentiment favored keeping it to our 30 or so people on the two Technical Committees, plus perhaps ten USDA people, maybe a couple of other individuals. With that, the grant could provide $800 for travel, and perhaps pay for a professional facilitator.

5. Objectives? Some suggestions brainstormed in the meeting:

* Focus on integration of findings and insights à summary conceptual framework;

* Future implications for change (policy, research, institutional);

* Develop better understanding of each other's research;

* Better determine the organizing frameworks that allow linkages across two Technical Committees' foci;

* Take a look at farming systems and health from interdisciplinary perspective;

* Increase everyone's literacy regarding systems.

6. Expected outcomes? Again, some ideas:

* Conceptual framework; insights/findings;

* Next phase in research agenda/action plan;

* Increased knowledge for team members of colleagues' work;

* Better specification of how food system interfaces with health and community.

7. How to make this happen? We need an organizer from each Technical Committee, ideally people near the chosen venue for this meeting. Mike Hamm volunteered as representative from NE-1012.

8. Design of program?

* Research papers provided in advance to reduce need to report all the details at meeting itself;

* Discussion papers solicited in key areas;

* Facilitated discussion groups, with a facilitator who maintains the focus on generating products.

Book project. Clare Hinrichs presented an update as part of Iowa's state report. The completed manuscript of the 18 chapter book, tentatively titled, Remaking the Food System, was submitted to the University of New England Press and University of Nebraska Press in July 2004. Both presses delivered favorable, encouraging reviews of the full volume manuscript in September 2004. Co-editors Hinrichs and Tom Lyson have chosen to pursue a contract with University of Nebraska Press. Manuscripts will be sent to authors in December to incorporate revisions. The book still needs a final chapter synthesizing the forces shaping the food system. Beth Barham and Clare will talk about it, email out some thoughts, and others will respond. The revised book manuscript will be submitted to the University of Nebraska Press in early winter, 2005.

Substantive and methodological areas of collaboration related to the project objectives. The following areas were drafted after hearing state reports. Technical committee members met in subgroups to further discuss what we need to accomplish. Subgroup leaders should submit a summary of the discussion along with annual reports. Areas and leaders:

1. Direct Marketing: Jim Bingen and Larry Lev

2. Farm to school: Gail Feenstra and Mike Hamm

3. Labels of origin: Beth Barham

4. Ag of the middle: Steve Stevenson

5. Training: Joan Thomson

6. Mapping: Tom Lyson and Gail Feenstra

Election of a new secretary (to ascend). Larry Lev is the new secretary by unanimous vote. Patricia Allen was promoted to vice-chair of the committee.

2005 Meeting. Tentative date, Nov 4-6, tentative place St. Louis in the hotel hosting the May Labels of origin meeting. Has an airport shuttle, good restaurants around, although conference rate is a little high (about $129 for a shared room).

Accomplishments

The goal of this project is to increase systematic knowledge of how communities can generate, support, and benefit from more localized food systems. We proposed several interrelated objectives for examining ways to sustaining local agriculture and food systems in a globalizing environment. During these first two years, following the project's objectives, we have: (1) collaborated with food system stakeholders to identify high priority information needs, (2) have examined policies, projects and events that are transforming local food systems, and (3) explored ways in which local communities are responding to the forces of globalization. In the coming year we plan to analyze more closely the economic, social and environmental contributions of local food systems to the community (obj. 4). 2004 Outputs and Outcomes: Edited volume of participants' work. Hinrichs (IA, PA) and Lyson (NY) have served as editors of a book which builds on the set of three paper sessions by NE-1012 participants given at the June 2003 Agriculture, Food and Human Values meeting in Austin, Texas. The 18 chapter book, tentatively titled, Remaking the Food System, was submitted to the University of New England Press and University of Nebraska Press in July 2004. Co-editors Hinrichs and Lyson have chosen to pursue a contract with University of Nebraska Press. The book will be published as part of Nebraska's Our Sustainable Future Series. Different contributions in the volume correspond specifically to Objectives 2, 3 and 4. Development of a model for an American system of labels of origin. The Missouri Regional Cuisines Project (MRCP) is a collaborative effort led by the Department of Rural Sociology at the University of Missouri-Columbia, involving several other disciplines and departments, and partnerships with Missouri Departments of Agriculture, Conservation, and Economic Development, Division of Tourism. It was officially launched in 2003 by NE-1012 participant Elizabeth Barham (MO), in association with the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Grape and Wine Program, to help market wine and food products using distinct labels of origin based on ecological regions of the state. Wine was considered the natural lead product for defining a pilot region in the state because labeling systems in Europe originally emerged to protect wine coming from particular locations from imitation. By developing a model agricultural region in Missouri that resembles appellation regions in Europe, the MRCP is demonstrating the potential of this form of organizing for rural regions across the United States. This model initiative is based on four years of prior work by Barham in this project and the completed project NE-185. It serves as a case study for the current project's objectives. Barham is also organizing a conference on 'Geographical Indications (GI) and Sustainable Rural Development: Exploring the Connections' to bring European and US researchers together. The conference will be held in St. Louis on May 16-18, 2005. Several NE-1012 members have expressed their desire to participate in the conference. Surveys and analyses of direct marketing initiatives and other economic/marketing assessments. Several states collaborating on Objectives 3 and 4 are collecting primary data on a diversity of direct marketing initiatives and other local food system campaigns, both to document the changes occurring in the agri-food system and to contribute to the development of these projects with information considered important by stakeholders. In Oregon, two rapid market assessments (RMAs) of farmers' markets were conducted (Tigard, Oregon and Winchester, United Kingdom). The UK RMA was part of a national conference that focused on a set of goals for the UK that parallel NE 1012 objectives. Each assessment collected high priority information for the target market and allowed for substantial networking among market managers and board members from the surrounding region. OSU procedures were used to conduct additional RMAs in the UK, Washington, and New York. Work continues on the development of low cost, accurate, and sustainable research methods. Michigan also completed a survey of vendors in Michigan Farmers' Markets (232 respondents) and is surveying and mapping Community Supported Agriculture (CSA's) initiatives in Michigan. In West Virginia, researchers plan to survey farmers' market managers and vendors early in 2005. West Virginia also undertook last year a comprehensive economic assessment of pasture-raised beef, a locally-produced niche product that lends itself to direct marketing and can contribute to economic development of an economically distressed region (central Appalachia). At University of California-Davis, researchers are doing an assessment of the regional marketing potential for mandarin growers of Placer County, responding to concerns of mandarin growers and agricultural experts about the overall supply and demand for mandarins in that county. Preliminary figures from the mandarin report, undergoing final revisions, suggest that there is significant potential for increasing farm income through regional marketing channels. In Wisconsin, data collected on 'fair trade' initiatives around the US was analyzed and published in Rural Sociology. Project personnel have also been involved in a cooperative effort with the UW's Program on Agricultural Technology Studies (PATS). A survey instrument was sent to a representative sample of value-added/alternative farmers in Wisconsin (400 producers). The surveys have been returned and are now being analyzed. This will be the first systematic look at the scale, operation and characteristics of Wisconsin's alternative farm sector. In addition, several NE-1012 participants are collaborating in the analyses of their research outcomes. Gillespie (NY), Hinrichs (IA, PA) and Feenstra (CA-Davis) are conducting comparative research on farmers markets, while Allen (CA-Santa Cruz) and Hinrichs are studying agendas and assumptions of 10 Buy Local Food Campaigns. Evaluation and collaboration with Farm to School Programs. In New York, Wisconsin, California and Minnesota, project personnel have collaborated with local organizations to initiate farm-to-school programs and develop strategies to build a stronger link between schools and the state food and agriculture system. In Madison, the Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch Project received a second SARE grant and is now funded for its third and fourth years. Two 'Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch' menus have been developed and served in their three pilot schools. A major step forward has been the food service's decision to trial one WHL meal on a district-wide basis. A second major step forward has been the decision of the Williamson Street Grocery Co-operative to initiate processing of fresh vegetables. The aim of years three and four for the project will be to expand WHL meal service and to develop the provision of processed vegetables for the school system by the cooperative. In Minnesota, at least 3 initiatives are underway: at the Univ. of MN-Morris, and in the K-12 school districts in Hopkins and Willmar. In New York, Wilkins continues her work on the information needs of different stakeholders in the farm to school relationship. She is currently surveying the practices, attitudes, and interests regarding local foods of dining directors at colleges and universities in NY State. At both college and K-12 levels, results show a need for information about what kinds of local products are available at what points in the season. In California-Davis, Feenstra is also evaluating the impacts of a county's farm to school program for local growers, participation and consumption patterns. By using a digital photo method, they will be able to assess what foods and how much children are putting on their plates at the salad bar. Collaboration with local food system organizations, and on improving land grant system awareness of their needs. Project participants have been important collaborators in several initiatives aimed at strengthening locally produced foods and sustainable agriculture. In Michigan, research and outreach continued with five original community based organizations, and four additional organizations added in past year (organized into the Community Food Systems Network of Michigan), to develop community food assessments and plan for programmatic efforts towards meeting food needs of low income community residents. In Oregon, work continues to be coordinated with the Lane County Food Coalition to collect and analyze food system information. In Wisconsin, project personnel continue to be involved in supporting the development and maturation of a local food system NGO, Research Education, Action and Policy on Food Group (REAP). They also assisted REAP in organizing its sixth annual Food For Thought Festival and Forum. A record 61 different organizations were represented at this year's Festival which has become one of Madison's premier food-related events. In cooperation with REAP and the UW's Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS), project collaborators designed, planned, and implemented the third iteration of REAP's Farm Fresh Atlas. The Atlas locates food producers (farmers, processors, cheese makers, wineries, CSAs, co-operative retail outlets, etc.) that use sustainable practices and supply the eaters of a 10 county region. Thirty-six thousand copies of the Atlas were distributed in and around Dane County. In Minnesota, participation in the Food Summit 2003 discussions have resulted in the development phase of the Twin Cities Food Council. This year's meeting focused on membership and organizational structure. California has also been working with a nonprofit organization, Ecotrust, to develop a 'Vivid Picture of a Sustainable Food System in California.' Based on their previous work with sustainable food system indicators, CA-SAREP is developing the indicators for the project. Results will be presented in March 2005 at the American Planning Association meetings in San Francisco. They've also written a USDA NRI proposal with UC Davis and UC Cooperative Extension colleagues to develop local county-based models using the Vivid Picture GIS data. In Puerto Rico, Carro-Figueroa has participated in several meetings of researchers with local producers and other food system organizations, and promoted the incorporation of many of the research priorities identified in these meetings in the updated Agricultural Experiment Station Work Plan for the next two years. Finally, in Pennsylvania research has focused on analyzing and interpreting the data from an E-survey of extension educators in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As a result, professional development opportunities and technical support for educators to support community-based food systems programming are now being offered. Participation in the 'Agriculture of the Middle' initiative. Several members of NE-1012 are also collaborating on the Kellogg Foundation and USDA SARE program initiative called 'Agriculture of the Middle' and framing part of their research in this context. According to their web site, 'This term refers to a disappearing sector of mid-scale farms and related Agrifood enterprises that are unable to successfully market bulk agricultural commodities or sell food directly to consumers' (www.agofthemiddle.org). Project personnel from Wisconsin were significantly involved with the coordination of a national task force for this project. The task force phase of the national initiative is currently being transitioned into a second strategic stage which will emphasize the development of 1) new food marketing networks (mid-tier food value chains), 2) proposed changes in public policy (at the national and state levels), and 3) enlistment of the research and educational capacity of the land-grant university system. Contributing to this initiative, California-Davis will use interview data gleaned from Stanislaus County (in the previous year) and Placer County to summarize some of the key barriers mid-scale family farmers face in a globalizing economy. In Michigan, Hamm will also continue work on this initiative from the perspective of pasture-based animal production systems, while in New York, researchers will continue monitoring changes in the dairy industry of the state. Project Impacts: The above accomplishments summarize many of the impacts this regional project is having and some of the potential benefits that will be gained from continued and expanded multi-state collaboration in the areas of sustainable agriculture, community development, nutrition and health. The forthcoming edited volume of research results to date is expected to significantly contribute to our understanding of the forces that motivate the formation of place-based food systems and of the impacts they are having in communities nationwide. Our prospective forum/collaboration with MRP NC-1001 promises to further our knowledge of links among and between agricultural systems, emerging food system alternatives, population and environmental health, and community structure. The continuous interaction of project participants with local stakeholders, community leaders, and governmental and private institutions has also produced concrete outcomes at local and regional levels, as noted in the Impacts below.

Publications

Allen, Patricia. 2004. Together at the Table. Sustainability and Sustenance in the American Agrifood System. University Park, PA: Penn State University Press. Allen, Patricia and C. Clare Hinrichs. 2004. Probing the agendas and assumptions in Buy Local Foods campaigns. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society, August 12-15. Sacramento, California. Barham, Elizabeth, David Lind and Lewis Jett. The Missouri Regional Cuisines Project: Connecting to place in the restaurant. Urban Place: Reconnections with the Natural World, edited by Peggy F. Barlett. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Accepted for publication. Barham, Elizabeth. 2003a. Translating Terroir: The Global Challenge of French AOC Labeling. The Journal of Rural Studies 19 (1): 127-138. Barham, Elizabeth. 2003b. Missouri Wineries: Present Status and Future Scenarios. Final report for Federal-State Market Improvement Program of the US Department of Agriculture (Agreement 12-25-G-0369), produced in collaboratin with the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri. Blumberg, Renata, Jennifer Campos, Nathan Cole, Benjamin Lewis, Catherine Moravec, Michael Paine and Heather Ricks. 2004. Hoshigaki: Preserving the Art of Hand Dried Persimmons. UC Davis: UC Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program. Carro-Figueroa, Viviana and Weathers, Gwendolyn. 2003. Livelihood Strategies of Farmers in Puerto Rico's Central Region: Survival in the Context of Economic Restructuring and Policy Change. Pp. 339-365 in Falk, W., Schulman, M. and Tickamyer, A. (eds.) Communities of Work: Rural Restructuring in Local and Global Contexts. Athens: Ohio University Press. DeLind, Laura B. 2003. Considerably More than Vegetables, A Lot Less than Community: The Dilemma of Community Supported Agriculture. In Fighting for the Farm: Rural America Transformed, Jane Adams, ed. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. Pp.192-206. DeLind, Laura and Jim Bingen. Forthcoming. Panel papers on Searching for the 'C' Word: Michigan Case Studies in Civic Agriculture. Presented at the 2003 Annual Meetings of AFHVS and ASFS to be published in Culture & Agriculture. Graham, Heather, Gail Feenstra, Ann M. Evans, and Sheri Zidenberg-Cherr. 2004. Creating a school environment to support life long healthy eating habits in children. California Agriculture (October-December), 58(4): 200-205. Grow, Shelly, Amy Guptill, Thomas A. Lyson and Rick Welsh. 2003. The Effects of Laws that Foster Agricultural Bargaining: The Case of Apple Growers in Michigan and New York State. Henry A. Wallace Center for Agricultural and Environmental Policy, Arlington, VA. Hamm, M.W. 2004. Community-Based Food Systems: Components and Potential for Michigan. Michigan Sociological Review 18(Fall): 1-22. Hamm, M.W. 2003. Review of: Linking Land Quality, Agricultural Productivity, and Food Security (No.823) Wiebe, Keith, in Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 6(4): 233. Hendrickson, Mary, William Heffernan, David Lind and Elizabeth Barham. 2004. Contractual Integration in Agriculture: Is There a Bright Side for the Agriculture of the Middle? Agriculture of the Middle, edited by Tom Lyson and Rick Welsh. Ámsterdam: JAI/Elsevier. Accepted for publication. Hinrichs, C. Clare, Gilbert W. Gillespie and Gail W. Feenstra. 2004. Social learning and innovation at retail farmers' markets. Rural Sociology 69: 31-58. Jaffee, Daniel, Jack Kloppenburg, and Mario Monroy. 2004. Bringing the moral charge home: Fair trade within the North and within the South. Rural Sociology 69:169-196. Lev, L., Brewer, L.J., Stephenson, G. 2004 revised. Tools for Rapid Market Assessments. Oregon Small Farms Technical Report No. 6. Oregon State University Extension Service. http://smallfarms.orst.edu/ Lev, L. 2004. Farming Sourcebook 2005 with a focus on Sustainable and Certified Production. Sustainable Industries Journal. Portland. Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. 2004. Consumers Guide to Buying Local Food. MISA, 36 pp. In press. Lind, David and Elizabeth Barham. 2004. The social life of the tortilla: Food, cultural politics, and contested commodification. Agriculture and Human Values 21(1):47-60. Lyson, Thomas A. 2004. Civic Agriculture: Reconnecting Farm, Food and Community. Medford, MA: Tufts University Press. Lyson, Thomas A. and Amy Guptill. 2004. Commodity agriculture, civic agriculture and the future of U.S. farming. Rural Sociology 69:370-385. Lyson, Thomas A. and Charles M. Tolbert. 2003. Civil society, civic communities, and rural development. Pp. 228-240 in D.L. Brown and L.E. Swanson (eds.), Challenges for Rural America in the Twenty-First Century. University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University Press. Ostrom, Marcia. 2004. Local and Direct Food Purchasing in Washington. CSANR Research Brief No. 3. Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University. Ostrom, Marcia. 2004. The Importance of Direct Markets for Washington Farmers. CSANR Research Brief No.1. Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University. Ostrom, Marcia. The Contribution of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) to Movements for Change in the Agri-Food System. Remaking the North American Food System, Clare Hinrichs and Tom Lyson (eds). University of Nebraska Press (accepted for publication). Ostrom, Marcia and Raymond Jussaume. Assessing the Significance of Direct Farmer-Consumer Linkages as a Change Strategy: Civic or Opportunistic? In: Remaking the North American Food System, Clare Hinrichs and Tom Lyson (eds). University of Nebraska Press (accepted for publication). Ostrom, Marcia; Hines, Richard; and Rebecca Warren. 2004. King County Food System Atlas. CSANR Technical Report Series. Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University. Thomson , J.S. 2003. Interested in Heightening the Visibility of Local Foods? Strengthening Local Agricultural Viability? Community, Food, and Agriculture Program News, Cornell University. 11(4):11, Fall. Wilkins J.L., Maretzki A., Hamm M.W., Paddock J.D., Asher K., Tuckermanty, E. (Contributors). 2004. Our Food Our Future: Enhancing Community Food Security Through Community Action. A Community Food Security Program Guid. 2004 (2nd ed.). Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell Cooperative Extension. THESES AND DISSERTATIONS: Evans, J. 2003. An Economic Analysis of Pasture-Raised Beef Systems in Appalachia. Unpublished MS thesis. West Virginia University. 163 pp. Inciong, L.O. 2004. Pennsylvania Extension Educators: Strengthening Community Engagement Toward a Sustainable Local Food System. M.S. thesis, The Pennsylvania State University. December. Evans, J. 2003. An Economic Analysis of Pasture-Raised Beef Systems in Appalachia. Unpublished MS thesis. West Virginia University. 163 pp. Inciong, L.O. 2004. Pennsylvania Extension Educators: Strengthening Community Engagement Toward a Sustainable Local Food System. M.S. thesis, The Pennsylvania State University. December. Matthew Russell. 2003. Social Inclusion and Extra-Market Food Service Programs: Challenges for Community Food Security in a Rural Iowa County. Unpublished MS thesis. Iowa State University, Dept. of Sociology (December). Leah Sokolofski. 2004. Managing Household Food and Feeding: Gender, Consumption and Citizenship among Community Supported Agriculture Members. Unpublished MS thesis. Iowa State University, Dept. of Sociology (May). PRESENTATIONS AND MANUSCRIPTS APPROVED: Allen, Patricia and C. Clare Hinrichs. 2004. Probing the agendas and assumptions in |Buy Local Foods campaigns. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society, August 12-15. Sacramento, California. Barham, Elizabeth. 2004. The Lamb that Roared: Origin Labeled Products as Place Making Strategy in Charlevoix, Quebec. Refereed book chapter contributed to Remaking the American Food System, edited by Clare Hinrichs and Tom Lyson. Accepted for publication by University of Nebraska Press. Bingen, Jim and Lawrence Busch. Agricultural Standards: The Shape of the Global Food and Fiber System. Dordrecht: Kluwer. Submitted for publication in the series, International Library of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Ethics. Brown, C. 2004. Examining the Cost of an All-organic Diet. Selected paper presented at the Food Distribution Research Society conference, Morro Bay, CA, October. Carro-Figueroa, V. and A. Guptill. Emerging Farmers Markets and the Globalization of Food Retailing: A Perspective from Puerto Rico. Revised book chapter for Hinrichs and Lyson (eds.) Remaking the American Food System. Accepted for publication by University of Nebraska Press. DeLind, Laura and Jim Bingen. Forthcoming. Panel papers on: Searching for the 'C' Word: Michigan Case Studies in Civic Agriculture. Presented at the 2003 Annual Meetings of AFHVS and ASFS to be published in Culture & Agriculture. Evans, J., G. D'Souza, M. Sperow, and E. Rayburn. 2004. An Economic Analysis of Pasture-Raised Beef Systems in Appalachia. Selected paper, American Agricultural Economics Association annual meeting, Denver CO, August 1-4. 29 pp. Hamm, M. H. 2004a. Briefing Session offering a positive vision for a food system (11/04). New Perspectives on Food Security Conference, Warrenton, VA Hamm, M. H. 2004b. Eating well in Michigan (11/04). Designing Healthy Livable Communities Conference, East Lansing, MI Hamm, M. H. 2004c. Eating from Michigan: What's in it for the community? (9/04). Dinner with Discussion, Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, MI Hamm, M. H. 2004d. Opportunities in Alternative Agriculture (7/04). North Central Land-Grant University Summer Meeting, Chicago, IL Hamm, M. H. 2004e. Nutrition Education as Community Development: Building Community Food Security (5/04). International Congress of Dietetics, Chicago, IL Hamm, M. H. 2004f. Michigan's Food: Risk Management in a Sustainable Context (3/04). MIFFS Michigan Family Farms Conference, Lansing, MI Hamm, M. H. 2004g. Opportunities for a Food Policy Council in Michigan, Food Bank Council of Michigan Board of Trustees meeting (2/04). Ann Arbor, MI Hamm, M. H. 2004h. Bringing Community Food Systems to County Extension Activities, MSUE Ingham County In-Service (1/04). Mason, MI Hinrichs, Clare. 2004. Generating knowledge and networks: The Iowa Community Food System Atlas Project. Panel presentation made to session on: Developing Regional Frameworks for Food and Farming. At the annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society, August 12-15. Sacramento, California. Inciong, L.O. and J.S. Thomson. 2004. Community Engagement in Local Food System Programming. Poster. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and Gamma Sigma Delta Research Exhibition, March 17, 2004. Inciong, L.O. and J.S. Thomson. 2004. Community Engagement in Local Food System Programming. Poster. Penn State Graduate School Research Exhibition, March 28, 2004. Third place, Social and Behavioral Sciences Division. Lev, Larry, Garry Stephenson, and Linda Brewer. Practical Research Methods for Enhancing Farmers Markets. A chapter to be included in Remaking the North American Food System edited by C. Clare Hinrichs and Tom Lyson. Accepted for publication by University of Nebraska Press. Lev, Larry and Linda Brewer. 2004. Tigard Farmers' Market Rapid Market Assessment. Oregon Small Farms Technical Paper (number not yet assigned). Maretzki, A.N. 2004. Perceptions and Expectations of Our Food System: Strengthening Communities' Engagement in Sustainable Local Food Systems. Presentation at Future of Our Food and Farms Summit, Philadelphia. December 3. Stephenson, Garry and Lev, Larry. Support for Local Agriculture in Two Contrasting Oregon Cities. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems (forthcoming in December 2004). Stevenson, G.W. and Rich Pirog. 2004. Values-Based Supply Chains: Strategies for Agri-Food Enterprises-of-the Middle. Submitted for inclusion in an edited volume on renewing an agriculture of the middle. Thomson, J.S., RB. Radhakrishna, L.O. Inciong, and A.N. Maretzki. 2004. Extension Educators' Perspectives on Local Food System Issues: Implications for Programming and Research. Proceedings of the National Agricultural Education Research Conference. St Louis. May. CD-ROM. Thomson, J.S., R.B. Radhakrishna, L.O. Inciong, and A.N. Maretzki. 2004. Views of Extension Educators on the Local Food System: Implications for Programming and Research. Abstracts for joint meeting of the Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS) and the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society (AFHVS). 39. Thomson, J.S. and R.B. Radhakrishna. 2004. Engaging Communities in Local Food System Dialogue: Strategies for Cooperative Extension and Outreach. Outreach Scholarship Conference, University Park, PA. October 4. Thomson, J.S., A.N. Maretzki, R.B. Radhakrishna, J.L. Wilkins, and C. Homitzky. 2004. Engaging Communities in Local Food System Dialogue: Strategies for Cooperative Extension and Outreach. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension (SARE) Conference, Burlington, VT. October 20-21.

Impact Statements

The Missouri Regional Cuisines Project and the selection of a pilot region to begin putting the local structure in place to sustain a working appellation system. The organizational structure currently active in the pilot region has reinforced the wineries association, and new associations have been created, including one for fruit and vegetable growers in the region, one for hospitality businesses (B&B, restaurants, etc.), and one for local economic development and government personnel. Through prior meetings in the area and the involvement of university and government representatives, the social infrastructure has been created to enable local producers to take full advantage of research results which can guide their efforts to collaborate in creating a local identity for their production.
The production of a Farm Fresh Atlas for eastern Wisconsin, with assistance from REAP. Another group is preparing such an atlas for the southeastern part of the state. Both the Food for Thought Festival and the Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch farm-to-school project have been extensively covered in newspapers, radio and television. Project personnel have also worked with the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College to prepare a project proposal that would initiate food system assessment among the Ojibway of northern Wisconsin.
The consolidation of a newly formed association of mandarin growers in California which became an active and effective group in devising new outreach and marketing venues. One of these became the ‘Mountain Mandarin Magic Farm Tour‘ which took place every weekend in December, 2004 to bring the public out to Placer County mandarin farms. Organizers expected thousands of people to visit these farms, increasing mandarin sales substantially. The involvement of researchers in many of the meetings of the newly formed association of mandarin growers gave them added credibility and encouraged additional growers to participate, solidifying the association.
Print and web based publications (listed below), several large-scale conferences and action research efforts in both Oregon and the United Kingdom. The target audiences of small and medium scale farmers, farmers market managers, chefs, local community organizers, and public sector were provided with local food system and direct marketing information, and networking opportunities. Communities have used the information to justify and plan food system interventions. Producers have used the information to improve their businesses.
The launching of Superior Grown, a labeling campaign designed to strengthen and promote regional food and products in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin through sustainable production, distribution and consumption. By partnering regional consumers, businesses, and producers, Superior Grown promotes a regional production system that helps nurture vibrant communities providing quality, nutritious food to citizens and strengthening local economies (web site: www.nffi.net/superiorgrown).
Creation of a web page (www.wvu.edu/agexten/farmman2/frmmrktindex.htm) that helps consumers find information on West Virginia farmers‘ markets and links for farmers‘ market managers and vendors. This link will make it easier for farmers‘ markets to get started and be successful in WV, as well as make it easier for customers to attend the markets.

Date of Annual Report: 03/13/2007

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/18/2006 - 10/20/2006
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2006 - 12/01/2006

Participants

Participants Attachment:

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Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Publications

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 11/30/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/18/2002 - 10/20/2007
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2002 - 09/01/2007

Participants

Barham,Beth (barhame@missouri.edu) - University of Missouri
Bingen, Jim (bingen@msu.edu) - Michigan State University
Brown, Cheryl (cheryl.brown@mail.wvu.edu) West Virginia University
Carro-Figueroa, Vivian (vcarro@uprm.edu) University of Puerto Rico
Criner, George (criner@maine.edu) University of Maine
DSouza, Gerard (gerard.d'souza@mail.wvu.edu) West Virginia University
DeLind, Laura (delind@msu.edu) Michigan State University
Feenstra, Gail (gwfeenstra@ucdavis.edu) University of California-Davis
Gillespie, Gil (gwg2@cornell.edu) Cornell University
Hamm, Mike (mhamm@msu.edu) Michigan State University
Hinrichs, Clare (chinrichs@psu.edu) Pennsylvania State University
Jussaume, Ray (rajussaume@wsu.edu) Washington State University
Kelly, Tom (tom.kelly@unh.edu) University of New Hampshire
Kloppenburg, Jack (jrkloppe@wisc.edu) University of Wisconsin-Madison
Kolodinsky, Jane (jane.kolodinsky@uvm.edu) University of Vermont
Lacy, Bill (wblacy@ucdavis.edu) University of California - Davis
Lev, Larry (larry.lev@oregonstate.edu) Oregon State University
Mangan, Frank (fmangan@umext.umass.edu) University of Massachusetts
Middendorf, Gerad (middendo@ksu.edu) Kansas State University
Murray, Helene (murra021@umn.edu) University of Minnesota
Ostrom, Marcie (mrostrom@wsu.edu) - Washington State University
Smith, Stu (stewart.smith@umit.maine.edu) University of Maine
Stevenson, Steve (gwsteven@wisc.edu) University of Wisconsin-Madison
Thomson, Joan (jthomson@psu.edu) Pennsylvania State University
White, Gregory (gwhite@maine.edu) University of Maine
Wilkins, Jennifer (jlw15@cornell.edu) Cornell University

Brief Summary of Minutes

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Accomplishments

Multistate Project NE-1012 Sustaining Local Food Systems in a Globalizing Environment: Forces, Responses, Impacts Accomplishments 2002-2007 The goal of this project was to increase systematic knowledge of how communities can generate, support, and benefit from more localized food systems. We proposed several interrelated objectives for examining ways to sustain local agriculture and food systems in a globalizing environment. Throughout the life of the project, we focused more on the first three project objectives: (1) collaborate with food system stakeholders to identify high priority information needs; (2) examine policies, projects and events that transform local food systems; and, (3) explore ways in which local communities respond to the forces of globalization. Toward the end of the project, we addressed the fourth project objective to look at the economic, social and environmental contributions of local food systems to the community. The principal accomplishments of the project are reported according to our project objectives. Objective 1. Collaborate with local food system stakeholders and food citizens to identify high priority information needs and the forms in which information should be shared. All project participants, including those without extension/outreach appointments at their respective institutions, incorporated active public engagement and outreach into their project work. In response to the identified needs and interests of, and often in collaboration with local food system stakeholders in each state, project participants developed research protocols in each state to carry-out a variety of applied research projects. Several of the chapters in Remaking the North American Food System were co-authored by project participants and non-profit or government agency collaborators. Some of the key illustrations of collaboration with local food system stakeholders and food citizens include: " California. Feenstra identified key food systems leaders (UC Cooperative Extension directors and farm advisors, marketing experts, farmers, county government officials, agricultural commissioners, land use planners, school food service, non-profits) in Stanislaus, Placer and Yolo counties and partnered with them to analyze important direct marketing venues in that county for farmers. The county stakeholders helped guide data gathering, interpret and disseminate results. " Kansas. Middendorf worked with Extension educators to improve their skills in engaging Latino audiences with culturally appropriate educational programs. " Massachusetts. Mangan worked with low-income immigrant populations to learn about culturally appropriate fruits and vegetables that farmers market vendors could begin to grow and market. " Michigan. Bingen coordinated a statewide survey of certified organic growers and interviews was undertaken in part to help identify research needs and policy concerns, as well as marketing strategies and issues. DeLind worked with the Allen Street Neighborhood Association to help secure funding to launch a Farmers Market that responded to neighborhood needs. Hamm collaborated with the Michigan Food Policy Director staff and Michigan Department of Agriculture Legislative Liaison to identify needs and opportunities to carry out food policy council report recommendations. He also worked with the staff of Eastern Market Corporation determined outreach information needs, and with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to identify food system needs for the food and fitness initiative. " Minnesota. Murray organized a Food Summit that brought together various stakeholders of local food systems and led to the creation of the Twin Cities Food Council and identified opportunities for three Farm-to-School initiatives. " Missouri. Barham collaborated with producers, wineries, processors, locally owned restaurants and B&Bs, other locally owned businesses with unique regional products, public officials, academics, and industry associations to design the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project. The project models the process of geographical indications formation in a New World context. A pilot region, the Mississippi River Hills, was established in a six-county area of the state in 2003 and local leadership has since initiated a non-profit association to direct the project. New York. Gillespie, Lyson and Wilkins conducted community dialogues to gather information on the opportunities and barriers for local food system development; they also made tools available to citizens and entrepreneurs interested in local foods or in local agriculture and food enterprises for local economic development. " Oregon. Lev organized local food system conferences and trainings with farmers market vendors, managers and customers to assess and identified key needs for farmers markets; he helped market managers improve the collection of information to improve market operations; and, he worked with the Lane County (OR) Food Coalition to ensure collection and analysis of useful food system information as well as documenting the willingness of consumers to pay for high quality local products. " Pennsylvania. Thomson facilitated community dialogues similar to those in New York. In addition, Hinrichs facilitated meetings with Penn State meat scientists and personnel from the Pennsylvania Sustainable Agriculture Association (PASA) to discuss research and training needs to ensure the viability of Pennsylvanias historically vibrant small scale meat processing sector. Both Thomson and Hinrichs responded to demands by growers for more information about the effects of on-farm food safety audits based on good agricultural practices and the link between food quality and safety standards. " Puerto Rico. Carro-Figueroa organized meetings with farmers, Extension educators and others, as well as non-traditional food system stakeholders such as organic farmers and farmers' markets organizers and participants, to gather input on how local research and education programs could become more responsive to their needs. More recent efforts included participating in meetings with, and delivering presentations to, environmental and labor organizations with an interest in land use policy and food security issues. " Washington. Ostrom conducted a needs assessments of small and limited resource farms and with new immigrant enterprises regarding their participation in sustainable and local food system development; a database was developed of one hundred new Hmong farms and 300 new Latino farms missed by previous agricultural census efforts and statewide agricultural programs. She also undertook surveys to gather better information on how new food initiatives addressed consumer needs and interests. A citizen advisory system for the WSU Small Farms Program was established to ensure ongoing stakeholder input into WSU food system research and education programs. A statewide, interdisciplinary, Small Farms Team adopted the mission of working with communities to foster profitable family farms, land and water stewardship, and access to healthy food. " Wisconsin. Kloppenburg and Stevenson helped to organize the fifth annual Food For Thought festival and the Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch Project " West Virginia. Brown worked with WVU Cooperative Extension to build a database and website on the states farmers markets and the basics of e-marketing that is responsive to the needs and concerns of farmers market vendors and organizers. Objective 2. Identify and analyze ongoing and potential forces that are maintaining or transforming the relationships between localities and their food systems. The project research framework under this objective identified three categories of forces: 1) long term historical and structural trends (e.g., changing transportation technologies and routes, increased urban sprawl, aging and changing ethnic-racial demographics in some rural areas, shifts in gender roles and labor market participation, rising costs of health care); 2) one-time events and turning points (e.g., local factory or plant closings; extreme weather events such as floods, drought, fire or freezes; sudden shifts in local governance regimes); and, 3) policies at the local, state, federal and potentially international level (e.g., Federal commodity subsidy payments; Conservation Reserve Program; farmland protection incentives; HACCP regulations; WTO rulings). Illustrations from our research include: " California. Research in Stanislaus, Placer and Yolo counties identified several long term trends such as increased global agricultural trade, urbanization and farmland disappearance, labor supply and cost issues, and shifting requirements for environmental compliance that have shaped the opportunity and need for developing local food systems, and in particular influence opportunities for farmers trying to enter institutional markets. " Iowa. Hinrichs research on small scale meat processors and meat lockers found that most of these businesses believed that the adoption of HACCP requirements had improved their enterprises. At the same time she found that compliance with HACCP helps to explain the dramatic reduction overall in small scale meat processing sector in the Midwest in the last 10 years. " Missouri. The work carried out in Missouri focused on the institutional form of geographical indications (GIs, or labels of origin) as they are known in Europe. Aspects considered included the rural development impacts of these institutions; comparisons between the legal context in the EU, Canada, and the US for GIs; environmental impacts of production in a GI context; and creation of new rural development initiatives in the US leveraged by the value-added potential of a GI quality product. " Puerto Rico. Based on assessments of the restructuring and concentration of retail outlets in the island, Carro-Figueroa found that the concentration of large supermarket chains on the Island and changes in Federal food distribution/nutrition programs have influenced the patterns of development and activity in retail farmers markets in Puerto Rico. " Pennsylvania. Based on geospatial data, it was found that school districts located within food deserts were more likely to be structurally and economically disadvantaged, and that there was a positive relationship between location within food deserts and increased rates of child overweight. Findings indicate that interventions targeting individual behavioral changes may have limited impact on improving nutritional and health outcomes for children, and that food system infrastructure concerns should be incorporated into state, community and school policies and programs. " Washington. Ostrom and Jussuame found that barriers to direct marketing local meat and dairy products, county health codes, state regulations governing on-farm poultry processing and federal regulations restricting co-packing by state certified poultry processors all posed impediments to the development of a viable local meat and dairy sector. Objective 3. Examine the diverse strategies employed by local food system stakeholders to create and manage ongoing and potential change in the food system. Most project activities identified, examined and contributed to the implementation of various strategies for localizing and re-localizing food systems. Key activities included: " Farmers Markets. The project generated considerable data on the social organization and development of farmers markets. Project activities centered on developing entrepreneurial capacity, urban-rural differences among markets, relationships with local units of government, and farmer-vendor characteristics. Various types of studies of farmers markets and vendors were undertaken in California, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. In addition, in Washington a Farmers Market manual was developed and farmers market managers were trained in developing strong management structures and stronger community support for their markets. Similar training took place in Oregon and Michigan. " Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Important long-term analyses of producer and consumer experiences and expectations of CSAs in Minnesota and Wisconsin were completed. In Michigan, New York and Iowa (with a study in Vermont) analyses sharpened our understanding of both the community and nutritional gains possible through the CSA model and potential limitations in terms of democratic participation, equity outcomes and transcending traditional gender roles. " Farm-to-Institution Initiatives. Activities included collaboration with emerging farm-to-school programs and assessments of their relative success in building stronger links between schools and state food and agriculture. For example, in: o Wisconsin action research centered on the development of the Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch Project in Madison. o Minnesota researchers monitored the course of farm-to-school projects at the Univ. of MN-Morris, and in the K-12 school districts in Hopkins and Willmar. o New York studies looked at the information needs of different stakeholders, including surveys of the practices, attitudes, and interests regarding local foods of dining directors at colleges and universities as well as awareness of the seasonal availability of local products in addition, the Cornell Farm-to-School Program website provides news updates, resources, policy updates, and an interactive map where farm to school projects in New York are highlighted. o California assessments were made of the impacts of one countys farm-to-school program for local growers, participation and consumption patterns, using an innovative digital photo method to assess what foods and how much children put on their plates at the salad bar. o Maine the Farm Fresh Connection (FFC) a program that connects local farmers to institutional food markets (especially colleges, restaurants, and local independent food stores) received assistance to transition in becoming a for-profit firm. o Comparative case study research of two emerging farm-to-school initiatives (rural and urban) in Pennsylvania established the important of school and community context in shaping organization of and justifications for such program. Findings suggest that one-size-fits-all farm-to-school interventions may have limited success. Rather, the substantive foci of farm-to-school may need to vary from site to site, and perhaps over time, to increase the prospects of program sustainability and positive impact. The Farm-to-Hospital program in California set the framework for collaboration with the Physicians for Social Responsibility (SF) to conduct an evaluation of how farm-to-hospital programs are working in the greater Bay Area. The farm-to-hospital work spawned new initiatives in the health care industry including: research and coordination of a local poultry procurement initiative with the Bay area Hospital Leadership Team; preparation of an information brochure to help food buyers in hospitals understand food myths vs. facts, including information related to small, local farms; a web-based information portal on SF PSR site for Bay area hospital food service directors, clinicians regarding sustainable local food; and support and networking through meetings and technical assistance for Bay area sustainable local food initiatives. " Food Policy Councils. In addition to assessing the social organizational patterns, operations and impacts of U.S. food policy councils over time, work in Michigan has been directed to launching a state council and to assuring its viability and responsiveness to state needs. " Geographical Indications/Labels of Origin. Several project researchers examined efforts to implement label of origin systems and place-based values as a European-inspired approach to diversifying agricultural systems and supporting sustainable rural development. Examples of these efforts include: o the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project, which links regional specialty products, both existing and emerging, to rural tourism, community economic development and environmental quality. o Minnesotas Superior Grown and Pride of the Prairie; Pennsylvanias comparative study of state identity marketing programs for food and agricultural products; and, o Michigans effort to identify and incorporate place-based values into rural development planning in a northern rural county. " Buy Local. Two project researchers collaborated on a national comparative study of the motivations, strategies and approaches in regionally specific variants of recent Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaigns. In addition, in: o West Virginia, a website, WVfarm2U.org, was developed to help consumers find West Virginia farms, farmers markets, and food products, and to provide an online format for chefs to purchase products from farmers. o Minnesota, a three-day workshop, Alternative Marketing Approaches and Distribution Channels, brought together farmers market managers, Extension educators, faculty and graduate students and others to learn alternative marketing strategies including rapid market assessment (RMA) at two farmers' markets; visits to community supported agriculture farms and a variety of retail outlets (i.e., grocery stores, cooperative markets, farm stands). o New York, the Northeast Regional Food Guide was redesigned to facilitate adoption and teaching of healthful food choices that are seasonally varied and locally-based. The groundwork was also laid for a new web site that promotes food citizenship. o Barham, Feenstra and Hinrichs collaborated on a conference presentation that compared the structure and effects of product labeling efforts at different scales, including the county (Placer County, CA), state labeling programs (i.e., AgriMissouri, etc.), and geographical indications (based on ecological factors combined with traditional know-how of producers). Objective 4. Document and assess the economic, environmental and social impacts of efforts to create and manage ongoing and potential change in the food system. In addressing this objective, project researchers paid particular attention to identifying how research articulates with policy development and implementation in ways that support viable local/regional food systems. Specific illustrations of efforts to achieve this objective are: California. Reports from work in each of three counties (Stanislaus, Placer and Yolo) identified the economic impacts of various direct marketing strategies. In addition, interviews, economic analysis and consumption/waste studies helped to determine the economic and nutritional impacts of the farm-to-school program in Yolo County. Missouri. Barham organized a conference in 2005 in St. Louis, Missouri, entitled: Geographical Indications and Sustainable Rural Development: Exploring the Connections. Presenters from several EU countries, including producers with geographical indications for their products, presented policy impacts and opportunities of GIs in a global context. Several NE-1012 researchers were present to take part in special research sessions intended to foster collaborative research projects on GIs with EU researchers attending (further program information and PowerPoint presentations given are available at: http://extension.missouri.edu/GIconf/presentations.html).

Publications

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Impact Statements

CA: The Capay Valley Grown campaigns evaluation of impacts for local growers, consumers and non-profits has been used by the Capay Valley Grown campaign in their strategic planning for the future. The report developed indicators/metrics for future assessments by the community partners.
CA: The farm to hospital work has spawned new initiatives in the health care industry: a resolution accepted by the California State Medical Association calling for hospitals and physicians to model and promote sustainable food systems, including sourcing from small and local farms.
CA: A newly formed association of mandarin growers in California became an active and effective group in devising new outreach and marketing venues. One of these became the Mountain Mandarin Magic Farm Tour which took place every weekend in December, 2004 to bring the public to Placer County mandarin farms. The involvement of researchers in many of the meetings of the association encouraged additional growers to participate, solidifying the association.
KS: Gerad Middendorf was the PI on two grants. One from 2007-09, Building Capacity to Engage Latinos in Local Food Systems in the Heartland. $75,000. USDA, NCR-SARE, Professional Development Program. A second from 2007-2008, Latinos in Kansas Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities for Engaging in Local and Regional Food Systems. $15,000. KCARE, the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment, KSU.
Maine: The transition of Farm Fresh Connection (FFC) to a for-profit firm resulted in a change in the infrastructure of local agriculture marketing and provided about 40 farmers an access to local markets that was not generally available previously. The dairy marketing work provided knowledge to the Maine Milk Commission (MMC) as well as other regional milk price regulators.
MI: Work with the Allen Neighborhood Center and Allen Street Farmers Market resulted in increased use of the neighborhood market and increased vendor sales. A public garden house, a garden in a box project, and a community kitchen (together with the farmers market) now define a multifaceted urban agriculture program for residents of Lansings Eastside neighborhood.
MI: Work on the Sense of Place project in northern Michigan increased recognition by PI residents of the value of place as a grounded and particular resource for building collective identity and for community development. The project has inspired new place-based project within the school system and the Rogers City Economic Development Commission.
MN: Participants in a three day workshop, Alternative Marketing Approaches and Distribution Channels, will be able to use the tools learned during the workshop in their respective communities to help farmers and community groups.
MN: Launching Superior Grown, a labeling campaign, strengthened and promoted regional food and products in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin through sustainable production, distribution and consumption. By partnering regional consumers, businesses, and producers, Superior Grown promotes a regional production system that nurtures vibrant communities providing quality, nutritious food to citizens and strengthening local economies (web site: www.nffi.net/superiorgrown).
MO: The Mississippi River Hills Region project led by Dr. Elizabeth Barham receives significant media attention and has been featured in several prominent state and national news outlets. Local leaders have created a non-profit association, developed a logo representing their region, and initiated an annual regional festival. A rural tourism map has been widely distributed and helped to promote regional tourism.
NY: Students in K-12 schools have greater access to locally produced farm products and have gained an understanding of the local food and agriculture system.
OR: The number of farmers markets, vendors and customers and the value of sales continued to increase at a steady rate. The number and value of direct exchanges between producers and restaurants, institutions and retailers also continued to increase.
OR: New funds were obtained to examine Season Extension strategies (Western Center for Risk Management Education, $36,000) and Value Added Strategies (Western Center for Risk Management Education, $50,000). An ongoing grant examined Alternative Marketing Channels (Western SARE, $60,000).
OR: The target audiences of small and medium scale farmers, farmers market managers, chefs, local community organizers, and public sector were provided with local food system and direct marketing information, and networking opportunities. Communities have used the information to justify and plan food system interventions. Producers have used the information to improve their businesses.
PA: Educational programming with WIC families encourages better nutritional practices. This programming was supported from 2002-2007 by Joan Thomson and Audrey Maretzki (Co-PIs) in collaboration with NY (JWilkins) & NJ (MHamm). Strengthening Communities Engagement in Sustainable Local Food Systems. NESARE; and by Clare Hinrichs and Kai Schafft (Co-PIs). Growing the Links between Farm and School: Best Practices for Pennsylvania Farm-to-School Programs. Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
PA: Publication of the NE-1012 project edited volume by Hinrichs, C. Clare and T.A. Lyson.Eds. Remaking the North American Food System: Strategies for Sustainabilty.
PR: Collaboration with community organizations created awareness of a range of issues, including food security and its relationship to land use policies and the preservation of agricultural land, and the lack of institutional support for organic agriculture. Plans are being made to initiate an integrated organic production program in the College of Agricultural Sciences, and to organize a Land Use Plan which can adequately protect agricultural lands and other community concerns.
WA: New immigrant farmers connected with WSU Land Grant University and Extension and are beginning to utilize educational programs and resources at unprecedented rates. A new Hmong Farmer Association has been formed to facilitate farmer-to-farmer networking and learning among Hmong farmers.
WA: One county has formed a food policy council, another has formed an EAT Local Food and Farming Coalition, and another has formed an Agricultural Business Development Center. Community farmers markets in Washington continue to grow and improve their management strategies as a result of our participatory market research and efforts to professionalize market management. Washington farmers market sales topped over $40,000 million last year.
WA: County health codes, state regulations governing on-farm poultry processing and federal regulations restricting co-packing by state certified poultry processors all posed impediments to the development of a viable local meat and dairy sector. These results have been brought to bear in changing county and state policies in Washington.
WVA: Cheryl Brown, is co-PI on an Aquaculture Product and Marketing Development grant from Special Programs, CSREES, USDA examines the niche market potential for omega-3 enhanced, aquaculture raised brook trout in the Mid-Atlantic region.
WVA: The results from experimental auctions in grocery stores in Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, WV to determine consumer perceptions of, and willingness to pay for Appalachian grass-fed beef should be useful to the food/agribusiness industry and to policy makers in WV and other states with small and part-time farmers. Increased adoption of niche products should enhance producer income, increase availability of local foods, and contribute to statewide economic development.
WVA: A web page helps consumers find information on West Virginia farmers markets and links for farmers market managers and vendors. This link makes it easier for farmers markets to get started and be successful, as well as making it easier for customers to attend the markets. Another website allows consumers to search for local foods (farmers markets, u-pick operations, restaurants serving WV foods, etc.) by county and provides an online marketplace for chefs to purchase from WV farmers.
WI: Creation of a new multi-state research project, NC-1036, Research and Education to Support the Renewal of an Agriculture-of-the-Middle.
WI: Publication of Food and the Mid-Level Farm: Renewing an Agriculture of the Middle.
WI: Research collaborating with S. Smith (ME) and L. Lev (OR) on Increasing Prosperity of Small and Medium-Sized Farms/Ranches Through mid-Scale, Values-Based Food Supply Chains; and working with R. Parsons, VT, on Farmland Access, Tenure and Succession: Impacts on Small and Medium-sized Farms, Land Use and the Environment.
WI: Provision of systematic support and advice to the advocacy organization REAP (Research, Education, Action and Policy) Food Group.
WI: Integration of the Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch program with operations of the state Department of Instruction and numerous local school districts. The development of an Americorps program providing volunteers for farm-to-school initiatives in Wisconsin, and the establishment of a Great Lakes Farm to School Network and positioning of the networks Coordinator in the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems at the University of Wisconsin.
WI: Creation and funding of a Dane County Food Council by the Dane County Board. Funding and initiation of a Southern Wisconsin Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign designed to diversify production capacity through development of the institutional market for fresh, fresh-processed, and locally produced products.
WI: Production of a Farm Fresh Atlas for eastern Wisconsin, with assistance from REAP. Project personnel have also worked with the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College to prepare a project proposal that would initiate food system assessment among the Ojibway of northern Wisconsin.

Date of Annual Report: 12/31/2007

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/19/2007 - 10/21/2007
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2006 - 09/01/2007

Participants

Participants Attachment:

Attachment

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES California. The Farm-to-Hospital program represents a new and growing marketing opportunity for Californias mid-scale growers. This project should catalyze additional proposals and research in this arena. One such opportunity for the coming year involves collaboration with the Physicians for Social Responsibility (SF) to conduct an evaluation of how farm-to-hospital programs are working in the greater Bay Area. Kansas. Increased awareness of information needs for organic agriculture among stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers from the dissemination of published work related to information needs for organic agriculture. Increased awareness among 75 Extension educators of Latinos as valued members of community and as potential contributors to local food systems. Improved skills among 75 Extension educators in engaging Latino audiences with culturally appropriate educational programs. Maine. Assistance provided to Farm Fresh Connection (FFC), a program that connects local farmers to institutional food markets, primarily colleges and restaurants, and to local independent food stores, to transition FFC from a project of the non-profit Maine Sustainable Agriculture Society to a for-profit private firm. Investigated options to help stabilize dairy prices and results presented to various groups including the International Association of Milk Control Agencies. Missouri. The Mississippi River Hills pilot region of the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project developed an organizational purpose, vision and values statement and developed a marketing plan for regional promotion and a logo. The region is a recognized destination for quality wines and specialty products. New York. As a result of the web-based food system outreach conducted through the project, a variety of tools are or will be available to citizens and entrepreneurs interested in local foods or in local agriculture and food enterprises for local economic development. Oregon. As a result of market assessments, market managers improved collection of information to improve functioning of the markets. Workshops and conferences allowed farmers to make better decisions in terms of crop and market selection. Collaborative work with producers, distributors, chefs, and retailers identified critical information needs and the best ways to share that information. Documented willingness to pay by consumers and other buyers for high quality local products. Identified and examined alternative market channels. Pennsylvania. Amish grower exploring serving as the middleman/broker to link growers to local buyers. Better understanding about local foods and among 5th graders. Use of WIC coupons by inner-city residents. Redefining research focus addresses how growers are, and will be affected by on-farm food safety audits based on good agricultural practices (GAPS) as well as the link between food quality and safety standards and the impact of such standards on growers. Washington. The 40 members of our statewide, interdisciplinary, Small Farms Team have adopted the mission of working with communities to foster profitable family farms, land and water stewardship, and access to healthy food. West Virginia. From presentations at the WV Small Farms Conference, farmers and extension agents learned the basics of e-marketing and the details of developing a website as presented by a professional web developer. The new website, WVfarm2U.org, helps consumers find West Virginia farms, farmers markets, and food products, and provides an online format for chefs to purchase products from farmers. The experimental auctions in grocery stores in Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, WV to determine consumer perceptions of, and willingness to pay for Appalachian grass-fed beef, found that education is a key component could be effective in promoting grass-finishing as a viable and profitable production alternative for the regions producers. Wisconsin. Research on the nature of values-based food supply chains has directly informed the certification standards for the Association of Family Farms (AFF). [See www.familyfood.net.] Additionally, these values-based business paradigms orient the work of the AFF as it facilitates new supply chain agreements across the country. OUTPUTS California. Reports on Regional Agricultural Marketing: A Review of Programs in California and a companion report, An Evaluation of the Capay Valley Grown Campaign completed and posted on the SAREP website. The farm to hospital work has spawned new initiatives in the health care industry including: research and coordination of a local poultry procurement initiative with the Bay area Hospital Leadership Team; research and drafting an information brochure to help food buyers in hospitals understand food myths vs. facts, including information related to small, local farms; a draft of a web-based information portal on SF PSR site for Bay area hospital food service directors, clinicians regarding sustainable local food; and support and networking through meetings and technical assistance for Bay area sustainable local food initiatives. Kansas. Book published on global/local food systems that will serve as a valuable tool in research and teaching on this topic. 75 agricultural professionals in Kansas and Iowa trained in how to work with Latino farm families. Minnesota. A three day workshop, Alternative Marketing Approaches and Distribution Channels, brought together farmers market managers, Extension educators, faculty and graduate students and others to learn alternative marketing strategies including rapid market assessment (RMA) at two farmers' markets; visits to community supported agriculture farms and a variety of retail outlets (i.e., grocery stores, cooperative markets, farm stands.) During the 2007 Minnesota State Fair, the fifth annual "Minnesota Cooks" event was co-sponsored by many organizations and featured restaurant chefs/owners who conducted cooking demonstrations using meat and produce obtained from Minnesota farmers. The Eco Experience exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair held over twelve days, the 25,000 square foot exhibit attracted a high level of interest among Fair visitors. New York. Three web sites were created to increase food system awareness to provide resources for educators and the public to build and strengthen local community-based food systems. The Cornell Farm to School Program site provides news updates, resources, policy updates, and an interactive map where farm to school projects in New York will be highlighted. This revised and restructured the Cornell Farm to School Program website is available at: http://farmtoschool.cce.cornell.edu/. The Northeast Regional Food Guide was redesigned to facilitate adoption and teaching of healthful food choices that are seasonally varied and locally-based. The groundwork was also accomplished for a new web site that will promote food citizenship. Oregon. 40 agricultural professionals trained in research techniques. Rapid market assessments and market research workshops. Workshops and conferences for farmers. Washington. Assisted in the development of a Washington State Farmers Market manual and a statewide conference to train and assist market managers in developing strong management structures and stronger community support for their markets. Identified the needs of new immigrant producers for educational assistance, and their needs for access to capital, land, water and markets. Developed a database of one hundred new Hmong farms and 300 new Latino farms that were missed by previous agricultural census efforts and statewide agricultural programs. As a result we have implemented a variety of new educational courses and workshops to teach entrepreneurial and sustainable farming skills. West Virginia. On-line marketing resources: E-marketing Resources for Farmers. A new website, WVfarm2U.org, is a format for chefs to purchase from farmers, for farmers to connect with each other and to advertise local food-related cultural events. ACTIVITIES California. Findings on regional agricultural marketing presented at the California Commodities Commission at UC Davis and the Agriculture, Food and Human Values Conference (June 2006) in Vancouver, Canada. Research undertaken on farm-to-institution programs in the health care industry and the potential for California farmers to be involved. Results shared at an Annual Technical meeting. Kansas. Several proposals submitted and under review (Enumerating and Linking Latino Farmers in Iowa and Kansas, and Building Capacity for Beginning Latino Farmers in Two Iowa Counties; Genetics to Wellness: Healthier, Greener Journeys of Our Sustenance; and, Building Capacity for Engagement with Latinos in Kansas Food and Farming Systems.) Presentations at: NCSARE Grant Recipients Meeting; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, State Leaders Meeting; and at a Workshop on Engaging Multicultural Audiences, KSU. Maine. Advisory services provided to Farm Fresh Connection (FFC). Options to stabilize dairy prices studied and presented to the International Association of Milk Control Agencies. Michigan. Work with the Allen Neighborhood Center and the Allen Street Farmers Market as the market evaluator for the USDA-CFS program grant to draft the markets mission and vision statements and prepare the qualitative market evaluation. Worked with residents of Presque Isle County, Michigan in preparing three, tri-fold photographic exhibits profiling their sense of place. These circulated across the county. Work with CSA-MI in order to: plan and host its second CSA conference, Raising Vegetables and Civic Values, (November 2006); develop a day-long, CSA mini-school that is being run in several locations throughout Michigan, 2006, 2007, 2008; and, publish an on-line Training Guide for new of prospective CSA growers (csafarms.org/csafarms0656231.asp). Surveys of 14 farmers market vendors completed and analysis of costs-returns of selling in farmers markets underway. Minnesota. Work in North Minneapolis to link rural producers to urban dwellers to provide markets for producers and to enable urban residents to access healthy, local foods. With collaborators at Oregon State University, a three-day Alternative Marketing Approaches and Distribution Channels workshop was held. Missouri. Service on a Healthy Foods Initiative sponsored by Congressman Russ Carnahan. Oregon. Participatory research studies of two Oregon markets and two Minnesota markets. Organizer and speaker at a Local Food Systems in the 2007 Farm Bill conference sponsored by Congressman Blumenauer. Organizer and facilitator at two Local Food Connection educational events. Pennsylvania. Consulted with colleagues at Michigan State University, University of California-Davis and Cornell University conducting similar Farm-To-School research in their states; partnered with Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity, Pennsylvania Sustainable Agriculture Association and Pennsylvania Association for Rural and Small Schools, and Penn State Cooperative Extension to develop a survey administered to 501 PA public school food service directors in spring 2007 concerning current school food service organization and activities and opportunities for farm-to-school initiatives. Completed two pilot case studies of FTS (one rural and one urban setting in PA); mail survey to 501 PA public school food service directors (75 percent response rate); case studies now being completed of seven additional PA school districts presenting varied geographic and socio-demographic contexts, but all having evidence of some level of formal or informal FTS activity. Puerto Rico. Meetings with traditional stakeholders of Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) programs (farmers, extension agents and other professionals working in different commodities), and follow-up of non-traditional food system stakeholders such as organic farmers, farmers' markets and community gardens organizers and participants, and environmental groups with an interest in land use policies. Participation in more than 10 meetings as part of efforts to reach stakeholders not traditionally linked in Puerto Rico to agricultural and food system issues. Continued assessment of the restructuring and concentration of retail outlets in the island, and possible impacts of these trends for different types of farmers. Updated results presented in a poster prepared for the annual meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society, a regional organization convening agricultural and social scientists, university administrators and NGO's officials, with an interest in food and agriculture. Studies of the emergence and development of farmers markets in Puerto Rico and a case study of the establishment of a community food garden in the municipality of Añasco. Results from the farmers markets study presented in a local symposium sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences. Outreach presentations of the Community Garden Project were delivered at the University of Puerto Rico's Cayey Campus, Cayey's School of Vacational Work, and at the Montessori School of Mayagüez. Pennsylvania. Collaboration with field-based extension educators, producers including Amish growers and buyers, restaurant owners/chefs, PA Governors School scholars, undergraduate and graduate students. Surveys with the PA Governors School scholars involving conversations of food shopping practices and the cultural appropriateness of WIC foods with WIC families, and videotaping lessons on healthy snacking for 5th graders, as well as group discussions among growers and restaurant owners/chefs. Washington. Worked closely with many food system stakeholder groups in Washington and formed an ongoing Washington Small Farms Advisory group consisting of diverse small farmers and leaders of non-profits working on food systems issues. Continue to coordinate a statewide Washington Small Farms Team (www.smallfarms.wsu.edu) consisting of university research and teaching faculty, extension educators, and representatives of public agricultural agencies and non-profits. Formed a Washington Food Systems Assessment Working Group consisting of researchers, extension and agency personnel, non-profits, and community leaders interested in conducting food systems research in Washington. West Virginia. Presentations at the 2007 West Virginia Small Farms Conference included: Cultivating Customers with E-marketing, Connecting Farmers and Chefs with WVfarm2U, and How to Grow a Website. WVfarm2U.org website launched in August 2007 at the WV State Fair. Experimental auctions were conducted in four grocery stores in Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, WV in October and November of 2006 in order to determine consumer perceptions of and willingness to pay for Appalachian grass-fed beef products. The data were subsequently analyzed using statistical modeling and cluster analysis. Wisconsin. Ongoing research includes in-depth, comparative case studies of four model values-based value chains in three regions of the United States.

Publications

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Attachment

Impact Statements

CA:The Capay Valley Grown campaigns evaluation of impacts for local growers, consumers and non-profits has been used by the Capay Valley Grown campaign in their strategic planning for the future. The report developed indicators/metrics for future assessments by the community partners. The farm to hospital work has spawned new initiatives in the health care industry: a resolution accepted by the California State Medical Association calling for hospitals and physicians to model and promote sustainable food systems, including sourcing from small and local farms.
KS: Middendorf, Gerad (PI). 2007-09. Building Capacity to Engage Latinos in Local Food Systems in the Heartland. $75,000. USDA, NCR-SARE, Professional Development Program. Middendorf, Gerad (PI). 2007-2008. Latinos in Kansas Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities for Engaging in Local and Regional Food Systems. $15,000. KCARE, the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment, KSU.
Maine: The transition of Farm Fresh Connection (FFC) to a for-profit firm resulted in a change in the infrastructure of local agriculture marketing and provided about 40 farmers an access to local markets that was not generally available previously. The dairy marketing work provided knowledge to the Maine Milk Commission (MMC) as well as other regional milk price regulators.
MI: Work with the Allen Neighborhood Center and Allen Street Farmers Market resulted in increased use of the neighborhood market and increased vendor sales. Work on the Sense of Place project in northern Michigan increased recognition by PI residents of the value of place as a grounded and particular resource for building collective identity and for community development. The project has inspired new place-based project within the school system and the Rogers City Economic Development Commission.
MN: Participants in a three day workshop, Alternative Marketing Approaches and Distribution Channels, will be able to use the tools learned during the workshop in their respective communities to help farmers and community groups.
MO: Dr. Elizabeth Barham. The Mississippi River Hills Region: Community Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Development. Proposal from Mississippi River Hills Association to University of Missouri Extension. $72,000. September, 2007 August, 2008.
OR: The number of farmers markets, vendors and customers and the value of sales continued to increase at a steady rate during 2007. The number and value of direct exchanges between producers and restaurants, institutions and retailers also continued to increase. New funds were obtained to examine Season Extension strategies (Western Center for Risk Management Education, $36,000) and Value Added Strategies (Western Center for Risk Management Education, $50,000). An ongoing grant examined Alternative Marketing Channels (Western SARE, $60,000).
PA: Educational programming with WIC families encourages better nutritional practices. Clare Hinrichs and Kai Schafft (Co-PIs). Growing the Links between Farm and School: Best Practices for Pennsylvania Farm-to-School Programs. Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Amount: $39,768. Duration: 2007.
PR: Collaboration with community organizations created awareness of a broader set of specific issues, ranging from food security and its relationship to land use policies and the preservation of agricultural land, to stakeholders concerns with the lack of institutional support for organic agriculture in the island. Plans are being made to initiate an integrated organic production program in the College of Agricultural Sciences, and to organize internal CAS efforts in support of a Land Use Plan which can adequately protect agricultural lands and other community concerns.
WA: Two grant proposals were developed as part of the Food Systems Assessment Team planning process. These proposals were designed to build on the county food atlases and forums that were developed in 2004. One proposal was submitted internally to WSU and one pre-proposal was submitted to the USDA Community Food Project Grants program. Received an $8,000 planning grant for the Food System Assessment Team to develop the other two proposals. USDA Risk Management Agency Outreach Grant, $150,000, Community Based Education for Sustainable Agriculture
WA: New immigrant farmers connected with WSU Land Grant University and Extension and are beginning to utilize educational programs and resources at unprecedented rates. A new Hmong Farmer Association has been formed to facilitate farmer-to-farmer networking and learning among Hmong farmers. One county has formed a food policy council, another has formed an EAT Local Food and Farming Coalition, and another has formed an Agricultural Business Development Center.
WA: Community farmers markets in Washington continue to grow and improve their management strategies as a result of our participatory market research and efforts to professionalize market management. Washington farmers market sales topped over $40,000 million last year.
WVA: Cheryl Brown is co-Investigator of an Aquaculture Product and Marketing Development grant from Special Programs, CSREES, USDA. $42,691 (total $693,165). 2007-2008. This project examines the niche market potential for omega-3 enhanced, aquaculture raised brook trout in the Mid-Atlantic region.
WVA: The results from experimental auctions in grocery stores in Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown, WV to determine consumer perceptions of, and willingness to pay for Appalachian grass-fed beef should be useful to the food/agribusiness industry and to policy makers in WV and other states with small and part-time farmers. Increased adoption of niche products should enhance producer income, increase availability of local foods, and contribute to statewide economic development.
WI: Co-PI with R. Parsons, Univ. of Vermont, on Farmland Access, Tenure and Succession: Impacts on Small and Medium-sized Farms, Land Use and the Environment, USDA/CSREES/NRI. $465,000. 2007-2010.