LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM COALITION LAUNCHES INITIATIVE
A local food system coalition, Field to Friends, invites area consumers, farmers, food entrepreneurs, markets, institutions, and other food related businesses to join forces in the development of a local fo
Community Viability
150B Slayton Avenue, Suite 112D
Danville, Virginia 24540
434/766-6761 Fax: 434/766-6763
walker53@vt.edu
Contact: Martha A. Walker, Specialist
walker53@vt.edu / 434-766-6761
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM COALITION LAUNCHES INITIATIVE
A local food system coalition, Field to Friends, invites area consumers, farmers, food entrepreneurs, markets, institutions, and other food related businesses to join forces in the development of a local food system for this region that will address the issues of health, wealth, connection, and capacity. The vision of Field to Friends is reintroduce consumers and producers linking health, food, and farming. Its mission is to educate, cultivate and empower sustainable food communities by bringing recognition and opportunities for local food from the fields to our friends.
Leaders realized that a robust, community-based food system contributes to the economic, social, and environmental stability of local farms and communities. Ken Meter of the Crossroads Resource Center conducted a regional food and farm economic study in 2010 and found that the region has the acreage, labor, and convenient market access to capitalize on this community economic development opportunity as a means to address economic recovery, promote health, and enhance long-term community resilience and quality of life.
A community-based food system is integrated across food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste disposal and positively impacts the health, wealth, connection, and capacity in a particular place. A vibrant local food system directly connects community and social viability, environmental stewardship, the viability of small- and medium-scale farms, farmland protection, the health of individuals, and overall food security. The 2011 report, A Community-Based Food System: Building Health, Wealth, Connection, and Capacity as the Foundation of our Economic Future, provides a detailed discussion on the potential to establish a robust local food system and its community impact. The report can be found at http://fieldtofriends.org or on Virginia Cooperative Extension’s website at
http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/3306/3306-9029/3306-9029.html
The report was compiled using data and comments gathered from consumers and agricultural producers participating in multiple discussions over the past two years. During two forums held in January 2011, these stakeholders examined the region’s capacity for expanding agricultural production and creating value-added products. By March, forum participants had formed a leadership team to explore the potential of building and utilizing the local food and farming system to meet growing demand and to be a foundational economic development tool. In June the Field to Friends coalition was formed; and work groups were organized to develop goals and strategies for the four focus areas of health, wealth, connection, and capacity. The coalition will work to: Increase consumer demand and community engagement. Establish progressive producer outreach and production development.
Connect institutional, restaurant, and wholesale opportunities with agricultural producers and food-based entrepreneurs. Develop appropriate infrastructure and resources for sustaining a community-based food system. Implement a plan of action related to identified goals and strategies. Work with regional economic development entities and local governments to give local agriculture a higher priority and more visibility. Compile a database of agricultural producers and value-added product entrepreneurs. Offer recurring trainings for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and organic certification. Promote the registration of producers and food-based entrepreneurs with online databases such as Virginia Grown, Local Dirt, and other sites. Establish a network of agricultural producers, value-added product entrepreneurs, farmers markets, restaurants, schools, universities, hospitals, and other institutions that would utilize locally produced products. Develop a local brand identity to increase visibility, foster a culture of food and farm entrepreneurship, and create a sense of place. Prepare a model business plan for food-based entrepreneurs to assist them in accessing small business technical assistance and resources.
Consumers and food system partners are invited to visit the Field to Friends Report website page http://fieldtofriends.org/, read the report, and share your thoughts and suggestions with coalition members by completing the response questionnaire.
If you do not have Internet access, you may contact Virginia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agents Melanie Barrow 276.634.4650 or Travis Bunn 276.694-3341 and Virginia Cooperative Extension Community Viability Specialist Eric Bendfeldt 540.432.6029 Ext 106 or Martha A. Walker 434.766.6761.
The unprecedented demand for local and regionally identified foods has created a myriad of economic and social opportunities for agricultural producers and communities. The coalition is grateful to the representatives of the sponsoring organizations for their ongoing commitment to the task. Work on the initiative was supported by the Harvest Foundation, Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, Reynolds Homestead, Economic Development Authority of Patrick County, Spencer-Penn Centre, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
To join the coalition or to get additional information on Field to Friends, please visit http://www.fieldtofriends.org or contact the coalition at fieldtofriends@gmail.com
