Batesville, IN—The Food and Growers Association (FGA) has partnered with Indiana University and Purdue University to establish Indiana Farm Connect, a program to increase local food purchasing. This work is supported by a $516,000 Local Food Promotion Program grant through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to strengthen local food systems in Indiana.
Oak Hawk of Rushville, IN has been hired by the FGA as a Value Chain Coordinator to work with farmers, distributors, food businesses and wholesale buyers to increase purchasing of locally grown food in Southeastern Indiana. Two additional value chain coordinators have also been hired to work in the Bloomington and Northwest regions. In addition to hiring these coordinators, Indiana University is conducting survey research regarding institutional buyers throughout Indiana.
“It is important to understand the economic potential of shifting institutional food expenditures to Indiana farms and food businesses. Institutions and food retailers, such as universities, K-12 schools, hospitals, small grocers and workplace food services have an important role to play in stabilizing markets for farmers. By quantifying current purchasing patterns as well as a level of interest in locally grown food, we can begin to grasp the enormous potential of these market channels for Hoosier farmers.” Jodee Ellett, Community Engagement, Indiana University Sustainable Food Systems Science Initiative.
Many challenges are faced by local farmers interested in selling to institutional buyers such as scale, regulations, and efficiencies. The value chain coordinators will help aid in lowering barriers by working with buyers and growers to develop strategies, solutions, and sales. The project will work with the Wallace Center, a national leader in developing local food systems. The project will also partner with Family Farmed to provide technical assistance in regards to food safety and assist growers in meeting the requirements to attain GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) certification required by many wholesale buyers.
The FGA’s annual meeting is scheduled for September 17th, and the 2020 Winter Conference will be on February 1st. Monthly “Community Gatherings” are also hosted through a rotation of FGA members.
