New York State has a rich and diverse food and farm industry. Agriculture remains important to New York communities, and increasing numbers of producers see the potential of stronger connections with local and regional markets. Popular interest in locally produced food and regional cuisine is growing. Strengthening the relationships between farmers and local residents contributes to the vibrancy of communities and the vitality of local agriculture. A growing number of municipalities, counties and regions are doing just this by establishing new market opportunities through farmers’ markets, farm-to-school programs, and promotional campaigns.
CaRDI supports communities that are exploring and implementing local food and agriculture initiatives through research-based information, shared learning opportunities, and the application of tools and resources.
REGIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
CaRDI supports the development of regional learning networks that offer local leaders and officials opportunities for peer to peer support and exchange of best practices. Learning community participants and others can draw on existing tools and resources, including publications, listservs, websites, and training opportunities, to support one another as they explore and pursue innovative community and economic development opportunities.
Projects:
Local Agricultural Viability Index
Rural Learning Network
APPLIED RESEARCH
CaRDI conducts applied research to better understand opportunities and challenges of local and regional officials interested in developing their food and agriculture industry. Community leaders want to understand the impacts of local and regional food markets on communities, including benefits, barriers, and opportunities. They also want to understand why some communities do not engage in this type of community development. Case studies of successful efforts and failures can serve as devices to inform program development and decision making
Current Projects:
North Country Regional Foods Initiatives
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
CaRDI works with partners to develop practical community and economic development strategies and tools that can enhance local leaders’ and officials’ capability to identify local food and agriculture opportunities (e.g., FoodSystem MapperTM (formally MarketScapeTM), a food systems planning tool) and measure the impact of their programs. Such tools will be part of a web-based Agriculture, Food, and Community Development Toolbox currently under development.