Upcoming Webinar to Discuss Innovative Strategies for Building Agricultural Value Chains

Demand for organic and sustainably produced food has been growing rapidly for nearly two decades. In the past several years there has been a comparable surge in demand for locally or regionally produced food. For many regions of the country, however, building a supply to meet that growing demand has proven to be very challenging. In response, a number of innovative organizations and businesses have launched or expanded “value chains” to increase the supply and availability of healthy, sustainably produced foods in their region.

In this webinar, National Good Food Network (NGFN)Advisory Council member Anthony Flaccavento will share the results of a survey of these innovative value chain organizations,highlighting common challenges and strategies employed, as well as unique approaches some have developed. A sampling of the experiences of nearly two dozen groups, in Appalachia, the Northeast, the Midwest and other regions will be offered in the form of short case studies, and a recently completed Toolkit for building value chains will be briefly described. There will be approximately 35 – 40 minutes of presentations, followed by 20 – 25 minutes of Q & A through the webinar.

The National Good Food Network and the Central Appalachian Network are co-sponsoring this webinar with support from the Ford Foundation’s Institute for International Education. Rural Action is a founding meber of the Central Appalachian Network, along with our partner Acenet.

The National Good Food Network Webinar will take place Feb 11, 1:00-2:00pm ET. Learn more at ngfn.org/webinars. Click here to Register

This Webinar will be a great opportunity for anyone interested in our regional food system!

Foodshed meeting with Rural Action, the Wilds and Ohio University

On Jan. 20, Rural Action met with representatives from the Wilds and Ohio University to discuss issues and ideas concerning our foodshed. Attending were; Robert A McBurney, COO the Wilds, Todd Crow, Executive Chef and Food Service Coordinator, Bobbie Dozer, Director of Visitor Operations, Shana Byrd, Restoration Ecology Program Coordinator, the Wilds, Matt Rapposelli, Executive Chef, Ohio University, and Bob Fedyski, Rural Action Sustainable Ag., Local/Institutional Foods.

After introductions and asides, we began with Matt describing some of the benefits and adjustments that have occurred since beginning to work with the Chesterhill Produce Auction (CPA). Largely, the benefits are, through aggregation, a source of local food that could actually make a difference at Ohio U., fresher, more flavorful food, an opportunity to support the community, and, through the new relationships forged with the CPA, to work with the growers to increase their plantings to meet (or better meet) Ohio U.’s needs. Matt went on to say that they would deal even more with the CPA when, they can meet the demand.

Robert McBurney is very happy to work with RA, and is looking forward to creating a five-star experience through the Wilds that includes the best in locally sourced foods . He sees the parallels in our organizations, and feels using the fresh, local product is an opportunity to educate others to the benefits. He also sees it as a means to educate their camps on these same benefits, and possibly hold educational workshops with a focus on wellness through diet.

He continued that the Wilds currently is seeing 75,000 visitors per year, and with the coming introduction of their five-star camp, he wants to offer the best of local (foods and beverages [the Wilds enjoys a liquor license that covers their whole 10,000+ acres]), from the common too the exotic. Shana introduced the Shade Winery into the conversation, which expanded into a discussion about the Pawpaw beer, local distillery, and related products. This may turn into a great opportunities for Integration Acres, Shade Winery, and Kelly Sauber (Formerly with Marietta Brewery). The Wilds has a Pawpaw orchard, and is also very interested in the various cheeses now being produced by Integration Acres, as well as pawpaw and walnut products. When we told them about the Snowville Creamery, they are interested in utilizing their product (if feasible) and certainly bring Warren Taylor up to do a demonstration.

When the conversation turned to delivery, we began discussing options. At first we thought the Wilds might be able to inspire additional sales nearby, but they are pretty lonely where they are. When they learned that we have a truck, they offered to work something out to provide fuel (they make their own biodiesel) and service through their maintenance shop. They also offered to help us with food service connections at Zane State and more.

Having a strong working history with Hocking College, they (the Wilds) were interested to learn of the new culinary program (institutional), and in possibly acquiring interns through the program. I think it could be a great opportunity for young culinary students, and would also help educate them (interns) with the use of local, fresh products.

Matt had to leave for another meeting, so we talked for a short while after, then adjourned for a taste of Athens, at Casa Nueva. Todd, Robert, and Bobbie were very impressed with the history of ACEnet, the offshoot of Casa, and the conversation turned to processing food for in-house use. The use of ACEnet, and the HAPcap facility in Logan were discussed offering benefits for each. We also discussed the opportunity to be a part of agri-tours and the possibility to learn more about Fur Peace Ranch and tours linking them.

Take action to exempt organic farms from the Ohio Livestock Board

The following is a statement from Food & Water Watch. It does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture or OhioFoodshed.org. We welcome any differing opinions.

Tom Redfern, Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator, Rural Action
Bob Fedyski, Sustainable Agriculture, Local/Institutional Foods

"We need 200 comments by 9:30am Wednesday!

Take action to exempt organic farms from the Ohio Livestock Board Rulings

Don't Let Bureaucracy Sink Ohio's Organic Farms! Help Protect Organic Farms in Ohio.

Last November, Ohio passed Issue 2 to create a new livestock board. With your help, we fought against this initiative because of concerns that the board would favor corporate agribusiness over smaller, sustainable farmers. We're still worried that this board will cause all kinds of problems, but right now we have a huge opportunity to protect Ohio's organic farmers from the livestock board. Can you contact your state legislators?

Legislators are planning on putting the costs of this unnecessary board back on Ohio farmers by placing a tax on feed for animals. This could be tough for all farmers in these economic times, but we're especially concerned about organic producers. Certified organic producers already face tough standards from the USDA and have to pay for their organic certification. Can you ask your state legislator to exempt organic farms from the board's rules and added fees?

Organic is part of the solution, and these farmers shouldn't be forced to pay for an unelected board that is likely to benefit factory farms. Please contact your legislators today, and ask them to exempt organic farmers from the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board."

http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2146

Thanks for taking action,

Alex, Sarah, Noelle and the Food Team
Food & Water Watch
goodfood(at)fwwatch.org

Congratulations Rhonda Clark!

Our longtime friend Rhonda Clark, Community Food Inititatives Executive Director, recently received a national award for her work on food security in Appalachian Ohio. Below is a copy of the press release. If you see Rhonda about, thank her for all the hard work she has accomplished for our regions food system.

Gardener’s Supply Company, an employee-owned national catalog gardening company based in Vermont, is honoring Ronda Clark, Executive Director of Athens, Ohio-based nonprofit Community Food Initiatives, with a 2009 Garden Crusader Award. Clark won first place in the “Feeding The Hungry” category for her work on behalf of food security in Appalachian Ohio.

Since 2001, Gardener’s Supply Company annually recognizes Garden Crusaders for “improving the world through gardening” and using their love of gardening to make a difference in their communities. The company’s website currently devotes a web page to Clark’s Garden Crusader Award: www.gardeners.com/2009-Garden-Crusader-Ronda-Clark/7152,default,pg.html.

Garden Crusader Awards celebrate enthusiastic individuals who “garden beyond their own backyards to grow food for the hungry, beautify their communities and help friends and neighbors discover the rewards of gardening,” thereby “creating a new green space, feeding the hungry with their produce, restoring a piece of land or teaching about gardening and the environment.”

“Many local folks participate in CFI’s efforts to feed the hungry,” says Clark, who receives a $1000 GSC gift certificate. “We are pleased to see our group effort recognized on a national level, and hope other communities will emulate CFI programs and activities.”

"The judges were very impressed with Ronda's work at CFI,” says Sue Chayer, Garden Crusader Coordinator. “Not only does her organization encourage healthy eating among community residents, but CFI also teaches people how to garden, and provides thousands of pounds of fresh produce to people in need. Community gardeners are required to donate 10 percent of their produce to food shelves. Gardener's Supply is proud to acknowledge gardeners like Ronda who are making a difference in their communities through the simple act of gardening."

CFI supporters are pleased to see their Director’s efforts recognized by this prestigious national award. “I can't imagine a more fitting title for Ronda Clark than `Garden Crusader,’” says Board Member Mark Hyatt. “She works tirelessly on behalf of this community to raise our level of food security, and she's a relentless advocate for the needy in our midst. She's an inspiration to all of us who care about the local food movement. We're lucky to have her!”

CFI promotes self-sufficiency with regard to the Athens region’s food supplies. Besides community gardens, the group provides Edible Schoolyard programming and curricula for regional schools, works with the City of Athens and other partners on composting arrangements, hosts community workshops and highlights the importance of Seed Saving and other educational projects. CFI receives project funding from the Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund of Parkersburg WV, the USDA Community Food Project and Farmers Market Promotion Program, the City of Athens, Athens Foundation, United Appeal of Athens, Kramer Foundation and membership donations. For more about CFI's work, contact Ronda Clark at 740-593-5971, cfi@frognet.net or visit www.communityfoodinitiatives.com.

The Facts on Issue 2

Issue 2 is a proposed Constitutional Amendment to Create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. It is proposed by a Joint Resolution of the General Assembly of Ohio. It would enact Section 1 of Article XIV of the Ohio Constitution. A yes vote means approval of the Amendment, a no vote means disapproval of the amendment. A majority yes vote is required for the amendment to be adopted. If approved this amendment would go into effect immediately.

This amendment would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board for the purpose of establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio. This bipartisan board would consist of 13 members.
1. The Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
2. One member representing family farms.
3. Two members representing Statewide organizations that represent farmers.
4. One Veterinarian.
5. The Veterinarian from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
6. The dean of the agriculture department of a college or university in Ohio.
7. Two members of the public representing Ohio consumers.
8. One member representing a county humane society.
9. One family farmer appointed by the Speaker of the House.
10. One family farmer appointed by the President of the Senate.
This Board would have the authority to establish standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio, and would subject only to the authority of the General Assembly.

Proponents of the amendment argue that the board represents a balance of interests, would establish standards of livestock care, and that Ohioans could have greater confidence in the safety of local foods.

Opponents of the amendment counter that this board should be created by statute as opposed to constitutional amendment, creating another regulatory board wastes revenue, and that the amendment could prevent animal care reform.
(Above excerpted from the Ohio League of Women Voters.

Ohiofoodshed.org is a program of Rural Action, a membership based non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development. (www.ruralaction.org). As the Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator I do not feel that I can take an official stand on this issue. We do however look forward to serving as a forum for a discussion of its merits on our social networking site. For more information go to the following sites:

For www.ofbf.org
www.safelocal ohiofood.org

Against www.ohioact.org
www.oeffa.org

Begin Farming Ohio Website Launched to Assist Beginning Farmers

For the first time Ohio's new and beginning farmers have an entire website dedicated to their unique information needs and designed to make it easier for them to find the services and resources they seek. The website URL is www.beginfarmingohio.org

The website represents the collaborative efforts of the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy; Ohio Department of Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture; Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA); the Organic Food and Farming Education & Research Program of the OSU Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center; and the Ohio State University Extension. These entities, working together as Begin Farming Ohio, aim to build Ohio's capacity to provide, expand, enhance, and sustain services to beginning farmers.

The new website was developed with an affiliated partner, Innovative Farmers of Ohio (IFO). IFO allocated funds awarded by the national outreach office of the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program to enhance the website development process. IFO provided case studies and resource referral information first published in 2008, one output of Wisdom in the Land, a mentor-based pilot program for beginning farmers in central Ohio that IFO operated from 2006-2008.

The website will also provide listings of events of special interest to Ohio's beginning farmers, and facilitate searches for educational and funding resources to assist beginning farmers with challenges related to production, marketing, and business management.

"In order to help sustain the future of agriculture, it is important to support beginning farmers," said Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs. "The department is excited to be part of this collaborative effort, which will assist these farmers with less than 10 years experience.” The USDA 2007 Census of Agriculture reports that 21% of U.S. family farms were beginning farms, and in contrast to established farms, beginning farms were more likely to be small farms.

About Begin Farming Ohio:
Begin Farming Ohio was formed in 2008 as a collaboration of higher education, state government, and the non-profit sector to better serve Ohio's beginning farmers. Each of the five founder organizations provides education, training, and other services to farmers and has an employee pool of professionals who are experts in both sustainable agriculture production and farm business management. Additional affiliated partners provide resources that complement the services of the collaborators. See Begin Farming Ohio for a complete list of collaborators and affiliates.

Distributed by SARE Outreach for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and based upon work supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), USDA. SARE's mission is to advance - to the whole of American agriculture - innovations that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life by investing in groundbreaking research and education. SARE Outreach operates under cooperative agreements with the University of Maryland and the University of Vermont to develop and disseminate information about sustainable agriculture. Visit www.sare.org for more information.

Bodacious Berries Workshop provides a template for Success

In 2005 Rod Nippert wanted an agricultural hobby that would provide him the exercise and fresh air he felt he needed. Rod had transitioned from years of carpentry into less physical stained glass work. In thinking back to his youth growing up on a farm near Dayton he decided on raspberries. When hearing the story you realize that it was more than his body that Rod had decided to exercise. He started by doing his homework and hasn't stopped since.

On August 25th, nearly 100 people from as far away as New Philadelphia gathered to hear Rod speak on his experiences with organic raspberry production. They observed his clean healthy and ergonomically friendly 800' planting of mostly heritage raspberries. They learned about his successes and struggles and most did there best to avoid popping the tantalizing red fruits into there mouths. Expert technical information was also provided by Maurus Brown Extension Horticulturist from the OSU South Centers in Piketon.

When Rod started his patch he did two things that helped lead to his success. He called Athens County OSU Extension Educator Rory Lewandowski, and he didn't rush. His first growing season was spent on site preparation considered crucial in any horticultural endeavor yet often ignored. He tested the drainage of the site, since raspberries hate “wet feet”, bush hogged, plowed, disked, and manured and then used buckwheat as a fall cover crop. The next season he planted his first 400’ of berries after researching the variety and source of the plants he wanted to grow.

Although not certified organic Rod uses completely organic methods and inputs and the planting is on ground that was long fallow. He fertilizes yearly with well rotted horse manure uses dripline irrigation with careful timing and scouts aggressively for insects and disease. He also selected the variety that he uses with a strong consideration to disease and insect resistance. He developed his methods by extensive reading and consulting with Extension Educators including Shawn Wright and Maurus Brown of OSU South Centers in Piketon. The internet has also been a big source of information for Rod. This winter he plans to top dress his rows with gypsum to increase the level of calcium in his soil in an effort to control the fungal disease Phytophora which is one of the major threats to raspberries. Rod learned about this relatively new method of control through computer links to Cornell University in New York.

With the economic downturn reducing the call for stained glass Rod now looks to his raspberry planting named “Bodacious Berries” as an income source. He added another 400’ of heritage plants this year. His berries are marketed through word of mouth and sell for $7 dollars a quart. Rod delivers to businesses and residences and has been known to put the berries right into your refrigerator! Demand remains high and Rod currently sells all he can grow. He pays as close attention to the economic side of the berries as he does to the horticulture. Rod keeps a meticulous log of his time, expenses, and inputs. He is currently netting an eye opening $14 an hour for his efforts.

For more information on raspberry production, and small fruit production in general contact your county OSU Extension Educator or the South Centers in Piketon at 740-289-2071.