Supporting Small Farm Viability through Improved Local Markets and Livestock Processing Opportunities

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1 Supporting Small Farm Viability through Improved Local Markets and Livestock Processing Opportunities Anusuya Rangarajan and Violet Stone Cornell Small Farms Program Martha Goodsell, Fallow Hollow Dear Farm Mary Jeanne Packer, NY FARMS!

2 ABOUT THE PROGRAM. Our Mission.. A Few of Our Programs.. Small Farm Extension Mini grants Beginning Farmer Training Organic Dairy Support & Business Planning Small Farm Work Teams Bi-annual Statewide Small Farm Summits Small Farm Quarterly Magazine Our mission is to foster the sustainability of diverse, thriving small farms that contribute to food security, healthy rural communities, and the environment. We do this by encouraging small farms-focused research and extension programs and fostering collaboration in support of small farms.

3 SMALL FARM SUMMITS About the Small Farm Summits Emerging Opportunities. In 2006, the Cornell Small Farms Program hosted the first NY Small Farm Summit. Over 80 participants from around New York State brainstormed and then prioritized promising opportunities to enhance the viability of small farms in NY. --Increase local market opportunities --Improve livestock processing regulations and infrastructure --Support beginning farmer development --Explore renewable and alternative energy programs --Examine alternative uses for idle agricultural lands --Develop appropriate technologies

4 LOCAL MARKETS WORK TEAM About the Local Markets Work Team The Local Markets Work Team is a network of individuals and organizations working to address the most significant and pressing issues to local food system success in New York. Work Team Goals Highlight existing producer -- consumer initiatives. Increase collaboration and learning among local food practitioners and researchers Develop a strategic plan for fostering marketing innovations to connect consumers with local and regional producers

5 LOCAL MARKETS WORK TEAM A survey. In 2007, the Local Markets Team conducted a survey to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to local food production, processing, distributing, marketing, purchasing, and consumption. Results were summarized by supply side (farmers/ producers/ processors) and demand side (buyers/ consumers) Local Foods Summit Local food leaders identified issues that hinder stronger connections between NYS producers and consumers and strategies for resolving these. The strategies were prioritized and summarized as recommendations to be integrated into a larger statewide plan.

6 LOCAL MARKETS WORK TEAM Enhancing the Viability of Local Markets in NY The prioritized action plan was compiled into a reader friendly report and distributed to state and county legislators, planning and economic development offices and numerous other agencies. 100 key members of the NY Senate and Assembly 1,151 county offices 13,246 NY Farms! members 350 regional stakeholders

7 LOCAL MARKETS WORK TEAM Outcomes Summer Summit 2009 focused on product distribution BuyLocalNY listserve with 275 members; multiple cross-posting with regional list-serves NY Farms! leadership and refocused organizational mission Partnership with Pride of New York and NY Small Scale Food Processors Association on regional promotion

8 LOCAL MARKETS WORK TEAM Outcomes Continued CCE programming Reports from executive directors on change in priorities and strategies because report provided focus. Partnership with Farm Bureau Able to put forward recommendations NY Food Policy Council Able to provide input into priority concerns NYFVI Funding Statewide study of funded local food projects may assist with prioritizing approaches

9 LOCAL MARKETS WORK TEAM.Outcomes Continued Hope for Policy Change Support from NY Senate and Assembly Agricultural Committee Chairs Support from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Coupling of agriculture AND economic development by looking at food systems Using stimulus funds in agriculture, manufacturing, distribution is a long term investment with significant public benefits

10 LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ISSUES Livestock Processing Team The Team was formed in 2007 to help livestock farmers and processors better deal with the issues they face. The team includes eighteen key individuals respected for their expertise in this area. Livestock Processing Team Goals 1. Improve communication and understanding among livestock farmers, small scale processors, and regulatory agencies 2. Publicize livestock processing resources and assemble new resources as needed 3. Identify current challenges in livestock processing and possible solutions or opportunities

11 LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ISSUES Methodology Conducted statewide survey: - slaughtering and processing challenges and opportunities - challenges of a state inspection program - regulatory and interpretation concerns Outreach at numerous events -gather input from hundreds of stakeholders Stakeholders prioritized strategies Team implemented work plan

12 LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ISSUES Testimonials & Advocacy In 2008, the team presented the most pressing issues they had compiled from farmer surveys to the NYS Council on Food Policy in Rochester. The recommendations were extremely well received. A prioritized plan of work was presented to the NYS Agriculture Commissioner and the team continues to work with the Commissioner s office to discuss ways to implement the plan.

13 LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ACTIVITIES LivestockProcessing-L A list serve helps foster communication among interested livestock farmers, small scale processors, extension staff, and agency representatives in New York and bordering states. Coming soon: Searchable database of slaughterhouses Buy-Sell Listings Feasibility studies The list has over 250 members, including regulators, engaged in very active and productive discussions. The list is used to also announce events and issue alerts and calls to action.

14 LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ISSUES Coming to the Rescue Working with NYSDAM and USDA FSIS for farmers and processors concerning: -Poultry processing -5A and 20C dual licenses -Venison donation program -Donated meat -CSA opportunities -Retailing and wholesaling under the various licenses -And more.

15 LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ISSUES Publications Farmers Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry. The Team revised the Farmers Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry, adding chapters on mobile processing, record keeping, and processing requirements for organic labeling. Meat and Poultry Guides The team published two new guides tailored for farmers and farmers market managers titled Meat and Poultry at the Market. The guides contains an overview of the requirements farmers and managers need to follow.

16 LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ISSUES Outcomes Clarification of 5A exemptions and exceptions Statewide teleconference on poultry processing Distribution of packaging and labeling requirements Distribution of 5A vs 20C wholesaling and retailing marketing allowances

17 LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ISSUES Outcomes Continued Building partnership with the NY State Meat Processors Association, more processors now on the work team Building partnerships with other organizations (Glynwood, Hudson- Mohawk RC&D, etc) Building communication channels with NYSDAM and USDA FSIS divisions Strengthening team expertise Presenting and facilitating at different venues

18 FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the Local Markets & Livestock Processing Work Teams, visit: Cornell Small Farms Program C Plant Science Ithaca, NY 14850