FRANKLIN COUNTY FARM & FOOD SYSTEM PROJECT Infrastructure Access Contact: Mary Praus at [email protected] 12 Olive Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301-3318 413-774-3167 www.frcog.org This project is made possible through a generous grant from the Henry P. Kendall Foundation What is this project? This two-phased strategic project is designed to: 1. Survey what farmers in Franklin County say they need in the areas of infrastructure, processing, and distribution - and translate those needs into data and potential projects intended to attract state, federal and/or private investment in our food system. 2. Assess Franklin County residents’ access to fresh, local, affordable food, particularly in low- income areas, and make recommendations for new fresh food initiatives to improve food access. How did this project come about? The project is in response to several recommendations (based on public input) in the 2013 Sustainable Franklin County: A Regional Plan for Sustainable Development including: Support the expansion of food and farming related infrastructure and services. Promote locally produced farm products and assist farmers in successful farming ventures. Support efforts that increase food security for Franklin County and the region. How does it relate to other food system work in the region? This project builds upon the 2012 Franklin County Farmland and Foodshed Study (CSLD), 2012 Scaling Up Local Food and 2013 Confronting Challenges in the Local Meat Industry (CISA), and the New England Food Vision (FSNE), among other initiatives. Collaboration with CISA, FCCDC, area land trusts, and others working toward a resilient food system is critical to this project’s success and value. What are the benefits of Phase 1 of this project? Farmers will benefit by being connected to technical assistance depending upon their stated needs, such as business planning, farm succession planning, and land leasing. Farmers - and the region as a whole - will benefit as survey results are translated into substantive data and analysis to help attract state, federal and/or private investment in food system projects. Other organizations who are undertaking farm and food system related work will benefit by using the survey results to better understand and serve the needs of farmers and the food system. How can you be involved? Take part in the farmer / grower survey if you are a farmer or grower! Provide ideas on what you believe are critical projects to help support a resilient food system! Join the project Advisory Group!

Franklin County Farm and Food System Project Summary

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Page 1: Franklin County Farm and Food System Project Summary

F R A N K L I N C O U N T Y FARM & FOOD SYSTEM PROJECT

I n f r a s t r u c t u r e A c c e s s

Contact: Mary Praus at [email protected] 12 Olive Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301-3318 413-774-3167 www.frcog.org

This project is made possible through a generous grant from the Henry P. Kendall Foundation

What is this project? This two-phased strategic project is designed to:

1. Survey what farmers in Franklin County say they need in the areas of infrastructure, processing, and distribution - and translate those needs into data and potential projects intended to attract state, federal and/or private investment in our food system.

2. Assess Franklin County residents’ access to fresh, local, affordable food, particularly in low-income areas, and make recommendations for new fresh food initiatives to improve food access.

How did this project come about? The project is in response to several recommendations (based on public input) in the 2013 Sustainable Franklin County: A Regional Plan for Sustainable Development including:

Support the expansion of food and farming related infrastructure and services.

Promote locally produced farm products and assist farmers in successful farming ventures.

Support efforts that increase food security for Franklin County and the region.

How does it relate to other food system work in the region? This project builds upon the 2012 Franklin County Farmland and Foodshed Study (CSLD), 2012 Scaling Up Local Food and 2013 Confronting Challenges in the Local Meat Industry (CISA), and the New England Food Vision (FSNE), among other initiatives. Collaboration with CISA, FCCDC, area land trusts, and others working toward a resilient food system is critical to this project’s success and value.

What are the benefits of Phase 1 of this project? Farmers will benefit by being connected to technical assistance depending upon their stated

needs, such as business planning, farm succession planning, and land leasing.

Farmers - and the region as a whole - will benefit as survey results are translated into substantive data and analysis to help attract state, federal and/or private investment in food system projects.

Other organizations who are undertaking farm and food system related work will benefit by using the survey results to better understand and serve the needs of farmers and the food system.

How can you be involved? Take part in the farmer / grower survey if you are a farmer or grower!

Provide ideas on what you believe are critical projects to help support a resilient food system!

Join the project Advisory Group!