Center for Regional Food Systems

Resources

• Consumer Demand for Local Produce at Extended Season Farmers' Markets

  Published on September 18, 2009
  This paper addresses the role of hoophouses and season extension practices in supporting increasing consumer demand for locally grown food.

• Emerging Farmers Initiative and Agriculture Individual Development Accounts

  Published on June 19, 2009
  The grant evaluated in this report was intended to increase the viability of small farm start-ups through the provision of a cash match to personal savings.

• Michigan New Farm Development: Case Studies from the Southwest Michigan Emerging Farmers Initiative

  Published on June 1, 2009
  This report details the emerging farmers initiative in Southwest Michigan.

• School Food 101: The Cost of School Lunch

  Published on June 1, 2009
  This factsheet examines the costs involved in producing school lunches.

• Michigan Youth Farm Stands Project Tool Kit

  Published on January 5, 2009
  This tool kit is designed to guide a team of youth and adults through planning and putting into action a local food project: a youth-run farm stand.

• Farmer Tips on Hoophouse Use

  Published on October 24, 2008
  These guides were gleaned from interviews with farmers who utilize hoophouses.

• Does Year-Round Hoophouse Production Pencil Out?

  Published on February 16, 2008
  In this presentation, David S. Conner examines the economic and profitability of using hoophouses as a means of season extension for agricultural production.

• The Economics of Pasture Raised Animal Products: Food, Markets and Community

  Published on July 13, 2007
  This paper examines the current market and potential future for pasture raised animal products.

• Pasture-based Agriculture: Overviews and Opportunities

  Published on July 3, 2007
  There is great potential to expand the market and address the unmet demand for pasture-raised products.

• Opportunities in Grazing Dairy Farms: Assessing Future Options

  Published on July 2, 2007
  This paper examines proven alternative methods of dairy production as a means of supporting Michigan's diverse dairy industry.

• Evaluation of the Saginaw County Family Gardening Project

  Published on June 12, 2007
  This report examines the Saginaw County Family Gardening Project, a project intended to promote family gardening as a means to improve individuals’ diet, health and physical activity levels.

• Choices Conference Materials

  Published on March 6, 2007
  The Choices Conference provided an opportunity for engaging discussion on what influences our food choices, as well as to provide new information on the value of fresh food to our health and well-being.

• Lessening the Distance from Farm to Fork

  Published on September 30, 2006
  This report was produced by partnering with thirteen Michigan communities to stimulate and support community approaches to lessening the distance between food production and food consumption.

• Eat Fresh and Grow Jobs, Michigan

  Published on September 15, 2006
  This report examines the impact when existing farmers have doubled or tripled their sale of fruits and vegetables to fresh produce markets.

• CSA and Farmers' Markets: Understanding Local Food Terms

  Published on July 14, 2005
  These factsheets assist consumer understanding of terms and concepts surrounding local food systems.

• Adventures in Pasture-based Agriculture: Opportunities, Obstacles and Outlook

  Published on June 12, 2005
  This paper examines the supply chain in Michigan for differentiated pasture-raised animal products; the accompanying presentation slides are also provided for viewing.

• Current Status of Organic Meat Processing in Michigan

  Published on March 4, 2005
  This presentation, during the Michigan Organic Conference, covers processing regulations for meat and poultry in Michigan and the associated challenges for small and organic farmers.

• Guide to Developing a Community Food Profile

  Published on March 4, 2005
  A Community Food Profile provides a framework for communicating community food system ideas through vignettes of the people and enterprises involved in your community.

• Animals in the Food System Conference Presentations

  Published on November 3, 2004
  This conference focused on opportunities to grow pasture-based animal production.

• Values Based Value Chains: Opportunities for Michigan Agriculture

  Published on September 29, 2004
  This presentation explains what value chains are, why they are important, and way to to initiate and sustain them.