Food Alliance Workshops: Helping Extension Educators Build Community Food Systems with Certified, Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Project Overview

ENC04-080
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2004: $13,645.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: North Central
State: Minnesota
Project Coordinator:
Jim Ennis
Email

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Education and Training: extension, workshop
  • Farm Business Management: feasibility study, market study
  • Production Systems: organic agriculture
  • Sustainable Communities: community planning, local and regional food systems, sustainability measures, community development

    Abstract:

    Food Alliance reached approximately 337 extension educators with information about eco-labeling, sustainable agriculture, and the Food Alliance certification program. These educators were contacted through 16 seminar and/or field day events that included Food Alliance certification as one of the topics. In addition, written and electronic communication materials were developed to supplement the educator contacts. As a result, more than 50 Extension Educators directly receive written materials and electronic bulletins. The Food Alliance website continues to inform educators and potential clients regarding the role of sustainability and the market benefits that can follow.

    Project objectives:

    The objectives of this grant were to raise awareness among extension educators of the ability of producers / food businesses to participate in eco-labeling programs that support sustainable agriculture. This awareness and knowledge will help educators integrate certification and eco-labeling into their programming, and help educators become a resource for market-driven sustainable agriculture.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.