- Author: Chris M. Webb
Iowa State University’s Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Center for Transportation Researchand Education have designed a great tool for estimating food demand at the county level throughout the U.S. The U.S. Food Market Estimator is a flexible and expansive system allowing users to view results in a variety of ways.
The following is taken from their site:
Who might use this tool?
• Farmers and other local direct-market food producers: Useful for identifying approximate market size in nearby counties in making decisions about marketing, capacity and potential expansion
• Governmental agencies (transportation, municipal and regional planning, public works): Useful in determining approximate food market size and impact of food production/processing on roads and other infrastructure.
• Food policy councils, nonprofit organizations, university researchers, economic development groups: Useful for analyzing approximate potential markets. Data can be used in assessing economic impacts related to changes in food availability, diet and marketing. Research scenarios might include selecting local purchasing targets for schools, retail, food service and other food markets at the county, state or national level.
Our previous and cost and return post or our business and marketing post may be of further help to you.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Your support of local food producers strengthens your local food system. Strong local food systems provide fresh food for their communities; foster the connection between cities and countryside; keep local money in the community, strengthening the local economy; reduce pollution and oil dependence; reduces potential food safety problems; and much more.
Eating local foods is a great way to get good nutrition, help the planet, and support your local economy. It’s easy and tastes great, too! To find a Farmer’s Market near you try using the USDA’s Farmer’s Market locator.
More information can be found on our previous Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food post!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Food Share Ventura County’s Food Bank, has launched a new program in their continuing efforts to help feed the hungry in our community. Garden Share is a great program, with many opportunities for involvement and participation!
Home gardeners can “grow a row” for the hungry and donate the produce. As an added bonus, gardeners can sign up for free Garden Share Membership which includes discounts on soil, tips and support, plus voluntary participation in a produce donation competition. Winners of the competition get bragging rights and garden-related prizes. See their website for details.
For others who would like to help, but don’t garden there are other opportunities to support Garden Share. They include:
- Volunteer to harvest food. Gleaning excess produce from neighborhood trees, gardens, and local growers’ fields helps to feed the hungry. Call 805.983.7100 to volunteer.
- Be a collection site. Register your church or office building to be a food depot where people can drop off their fresh produce. To sign up click here.
- Donate. Your donation will help Food Share’s delivery of fresh produce to local families with our Farm 2 Family program.
Compassion and assistance for less fortunate members of our community is always important. During these challenging economic times the need is much larger and more pressing. Please do what you can to support this important project!
- Author: Chris M. Webb
The USDA has just launched a website, “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food”. The main goal of the site is to create new economic opportunities by connecting local food producers and consumers. In addition the USDA wants to help people be more connected and aware of the importance of understanding where our food comes from and how it gets onto our plates.
How does the USDA hope to accomplish these goals?
- By building the infrastructure to support the growth and viability of small and mid-sized farms and ranches new opportunities will in turn strengthen local and regional food systems and the communities they serve.
- They want people to make smart decisions about what they eat. Communities filled with people making healthy decisions will further support and strengthen local communities.
- The USDA will work with interested food producers to lower their energy costs and improve their resource management as well as assisting to preserve farm and ranch lands.
- These goals will be met using programs and people to support this effort. An assortment of programs and grant funds are available to help make this vision a reality.
To find out more, please visit www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Preliminary results from the first statewide survey of California agritourism operators show revenue is generated by participating farmers and ranchers.
Agricultural tourism allows visitors (tourists) to experience a taste of agricultural lifestyles. According to the survey, California farmers and ranchers hosted more than 2.4 million agricultural tourists in 2008. Tourism offerings are varied throughout the state. Local, Ventura County agritourism ventures offer: farm and nursery tours; farm stands; petting zoos; picnic and play areas; u-pick produce; lectures and presentations; agriculture-related gifts and crafts; value-added food products; horseback riding and trail rides; camping; nature walks; special events; plants; and cut flowers.
Please see UC Small Farm Program's California Agritourism Database for places to visit. Farmers and ranchers offering agritourism venues can add themselves to the data base. Clicking on “Agritorism resources for operators” on the left-hand side of the screen will take you to a site to view the survey results and much more.
More about agritourism can be found on our previous blog posting, “Agritourism, is it right for you” and by contacting UC’s Small Farm Program at sfcenter@ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-8136.