Nebraska Local Foods Network Presenter: Kim Peterson

1. Nebraska Local Foods Network Presenter: Kim Peterson

2. Nebraska Local Foods Network

3. NLFN Partners: B&R Stores, Inc. Buy Fresh Buy Local Community Crops Center for Rural Affairs Metro Community College – Culinary Program NCR-Sustainable Ag Research and Education Nebraska Dept. of Education Nebraska Food Cooperative Nebraska Producers Nebraska RC&Ds Nebraska Restaurant Assn. NE State Dept. of Agriculture Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society Open Harvest Cooperative Grocery Three Eagles Communications-KFOR Radio – Chef Judy University of Nebraska-Lincoln Ag Leadership, Education & Comm. Agronomy and Horticulture Extension Nebraska Coop Development Center Nutrition and Health Sciences The Food Processing Center University Dining—Good Fresh Local University of Nebraska Rural Initiative Numerous Producers

5. NEBRASKA LOCAL FOODS

6. Defining Local Foods The perception of ‘local’ varies from one consumer to another. For the purposes of this study, ‘local’ food will refer to foods which have been grown and/or produced within the identified state border of Nebraska. The perception of ‘local’ varies from one consumer to another. For the purposes of this study, ‘local’ food will refer to foods which have been grown and/or produced within the identified state border of Nebraska.

7. Introduction There is an increasing interest in local foods Farmers’ Markets Consumer demand does exist for locally produced foods; however, shopping at farmers markets is too inconvenient. Given the potential limitations of farmers markets, it is important to consider alternative markets for local foods (Darby, 2008). Consumer demand does exist for locally produced foods; however, shopping at farmers markets is too inconvenient. Given the potential limitations of farmers markets, it is important to consider alternative markets for local foods (Darby, 2008).

8. Introduction Nebraska’s increasing interest in local foods Vegetable Farms – 48% increase Consumer demand does exist for locally produced foods; however, shopping at farmers markets is too inconvenient. Given the potential limitations of farmers markets, it is important to consider alternative markets for local foods (Darby, 2008). Consumer demand does exist for locally produced foods; however, shopping at farmers markets is too inconvenient. Given the potential limitations of farmers markets, it is important to consider alternative markets for local foods (Darby, 2008).

9. Influencing Factors Food security (9-11) Food safety Changing attitude towards environment Food quality Personal health Economic impact Energy shortages

12. Why Eat Local? Good for you: Locally grown foods retain nutrients and products taste fabulous Good for your community: Supports local economic development by re-circulating dollars in local economy Good for your environment: Reduces consumption of fossil fuels and wasteful packing materials

13. Committee Activities Production Specialty crop enterprise budgets Beginning farmer curriculum * Farm-to-School producer technical assistance * Nutrition/Education Farm-to-School food preparation * Farm-to-school education curriculum * Marketing/Processing/Distribution Local MarketCALC Local food distribution center

16. Websites: localfoods.nebraska.edu marketmaker.nebraska.edu localmarketcalc.unl.edu

17. ruralinfo@unl.edu Thanks ~ Eat Local!!