Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Naming and graphing entrepreneurial and community based agriculture linkages

Project ID: 2004-M04

Abstract

The project sought to document food- and community-related information available in southwest Iowa counties and to connect various sectors that might work together to add value to local foods and increase food commerce.

Key Question: Can a clear description of current and possible food system linkages in a local area help farmers and other community stakeholders involved in local food systems development add value to that system?

Findings: Construction of a descriptive "map" provides a valuable systemic view that helps local people to focus on linkages, resources, and opportunities to find leverage and create alternatives for adding value, not just in their own sector but all along the food flow.

Lead investigator: Carol Richardson Smith, National Catholic Rural Life Conference, et al

Year of grant completion: 2007

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Community-based food systems