John Lawrence’s message from April 29, 2019
ISU Extension and Outreach’s programs in Local Foods and Value Added Agriculture recently joined forces. Although the resulting program has a new name – Farm, Food and Enterprise Development – the combined program team offers the same, great technical assistance and resources for Iowa farmers, food systems advocates and business owners. Did you know?
- Topics in the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development wheelhouse include small farm profitability, agritourism, community food systems planning and development, farm to school and farm to early childhood education, and business feasibility and financing.
- Christa Hartsook leads the small farms area, serving farmers, acreage owners and service providers.
- Courtney Long leads food systems, serving community coalitions, city planners, nonprofits and county extension staff.
- Brian Tapp leads enterprise development, serving small business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Program Manager Craig Chase says focusing on small farms, food systems and enterprise development will allow the 20-member team to develop stronger educational programs and collaborative partnerships. You can contact the team at contactFFED@iastate.edu, 515-294-3086.
One more note: Mark your calendars and save the date for our next Annual Conference, April 1, 2020.
— John D. Lawrence
Iowa State University Vice President for Extension and Outreach