Welcome To Our Organic & Local Food Friendly Community
Updated: September 2, 2010
A NEW FILM BY AN AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER RELEASED
"The Organic Opportunity, Local Organic Food as Economic Development in Woodbury County", by Chris Bedford, has been released to much acclaim.
To order, send a check for $25 made out to:
Christopher Bedford,
#6543 Hancock Road,
Montague, MI 49437.
Or visit the Chris Bedford Films order page at www.localharvest.org and search Chris Bedford films.
View Our Promotional Video
&
Order the Entire Program DVD
Woodbury News: Magazine Publication
An Overview of Programs & Opportunities To Support The Promotion of Small Family Farms
SITE HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRAM RELATED PROMOTIONS
Local Food Eating Challenge Journal & Information
All Information About The 100 Mile Diet Challenge - Including the Journal
MY HIGH HORSE
Don’t you find it interesting that the State of Iowa does not consider food production to be of any economic development value whatsoever? It is true! The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) does not provide incentives, not one penny, to farmers who who wish to grow fruits and vegetables. “Food production is not a focus of economic development in the State of Iowa,” Michael Tramontina, former Director of IDED, which has been confirmed by Brett Mills, current Director of IDED. Responsibility is abdicated to the Department of Agriculture - which is not equipped to promote food systems as economic development. Conclusion: Iowa, a top Ag state, does not believe food production is of any economic development value. Amazing isn’t it? Especially since Iowa imports an estimated 90% of its food.
MY SOLUTION: PROPOSED LEGISLATION - 2.1: IOWA LOCAL FARMER & FOOD SECURITY ACT
The STATE OF MARYLAND agrees with an approach similar to my proposal - it passed 138-0.
REFERENCES
MOSES - GUIDE TO ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
NSAC - FOOD SYSTEMS FUNDING GUIDE
USDA Online Info Re: Local Foods - Tom Vilsack - On Local Foods (YouTube); Know Your Farmer - Connecting Farmer with Consumer; Merrigan - A List of Programs & Details
ECONOMIC STUDIES
DAVID SWENSON (ISU) STUDIES:
THE WOODBURY ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics of Traditional Economic Development Practices vs. Small Farm Development
University of Missouri Study (analysis of traditional practices)
University of Iowa Study (analysis of traditional practices)
University of Georgia - Luanne Lohr Study (benefits of organic farming for local economy)
Iowa State University - David Swenson Study (impacts of small farming in Woodbury County)
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Local vs Chain - How Local Business Is Best for Local Economy:
Economic Impact Analysis: A Case Study: Local Merchants vs. Chain Retailers (Austin, TX)
Local Works! Examining The Impact of Local Business On the West Michigan Economy
RECENT EVENTS
INVESTING IN WOODBURY COUNTY LOANS PRESS RELEASE AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION -
CONTACT: SIOUXLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: Visit their WEBSITE for application. Secured and Unsecured Micro Loans at 2% Interest Rate
FARM AID RECOGNIZES WOODBURY COUNTY - See www.farmaid.org
AGNETWORK - Dan Murphy Article - August 27, 2010 - Interview
MIDWEST RURAL ASSEMBLY PRESENTATION - AUGUST 16, 2010 - PowerPoint
