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OtherBACKGROUND
The Pine and Lake Country Local Foods Working Group is a citizen-driven group committed to supporting and advancing community based food systems. It was launched by the University of Minnesota Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership in 2006. The long-term goals of the working group include: developing a base of affordable, accessible local food; raising consumer awareness of local food systems; increasing grower/producer income through local food production; contributing to rural economic, environmental, and social vitality via local foods; and facilitating learning opportunities, collaborations, and leadership development associated with local foods for key stakeholders in the region.
The Working group meets monthly to plan and implement activities that advance these goals through research, education, and outreach to producers and consumers.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Provided resource materials and conduct informational workshops for community farmers’ market participants
• Provided seed grants and technical support to new farmers’ markets in the Central Region
• Coordinated chef demonstrations on site at Central Region farmers’ markets
• Contributed to increase in the number of farmers’ markets in the Central Region from 4 to 25
• Conducted research, demonstration, and educational training in the use of high-tunnels as a season extension technique, contributing to the establishment of nearly 200 high tunnels currently in use in Minnesota
• Conducted survey of producers in the region to inventory growers and products grown and evaluate grower interest in selling products through a variety of outlets and venues.
• Building relationships with restaurants, schools, and hospitals to increase the use of local foods in other retail and institutional outlets.
Contact:
Phone:
Website: http://www.regionalpartnerships.umn.edu/index.pl?id=6349
E-mail Address: ullan012@umn.edu
Location:
MN
Todd County