Supporting local, regional & safe food systems development in Arkansas through education & outreach led by Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez and a fab team at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. This is done through programs, projects, trainings, technical assistance & support, resource creation, and networking events. FOCUS ON LOCAL & REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEMS 🍅
The farm to table movement is growing in Arkansas. Many communities have created farmers markets, established community gardens, and started serving farm fresh food in school cafeterias. Arkansans have an increased interests in sustainable agriculture and locally grown foods, while many farms are producing a wide variety of locally grown vegetables, fruits, grain, nuts, seeds, and livestock. Agritourism, specialty crop farming/specialty food products, and local food retailers are on the rise. And food business entrepreneurs are looking for ways to turn their recipes into successful businesses. Through our local & regional foods programs and activities, we support a robust and diverse food system with research-backed resources, timely information, and meaningful connections. Through our Share Grounds Commercial Kitchens project, we assist those interested in starting a local food business or aggregating local food products with technical assistance, permitted production facilities, and partnership opportunities. FOCUS ON SAFE FOOD SYSTEMS 🥬
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is a federal act that requires producers and processors of fresh fruits and vegetables to implement certain controls in order to prevent contamination of our nation’s food system. The act gives power to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish regulations for the production of fresh fruits and vegetables (The Produce Safety Rule). Keeping up with these regulations for your farm can be daunting, so our Extension team is here to help navigate this process with you. By providing fundamental, science-based farm and produce safety knowledge through produce safety trainings, on-farm visits, educational resources, and technical assistance to fruit and vegetable farmers, packers, regulatory personnel, and others in the state, we support a safe food system for all Arkansans.
