business cards have been developed for distribution at agriculture meetings and other venues. ● A resource listing of available speakers that can increase understanding of local food systems, support community gardens success both in growing produce as well as supporting community food needs. A website will house the listing and speaker’s bureau members will respond to requests for guest speakers. ● Seed money to support further development and completion of these projects is being sought. We intend to reconvene forum participants, Extension colleagues and community stakeholders to share progress on these projects. We will seek their input and resources to keep on keeping on. ● Literature reviews and briefing papers are being developed that focus on two topics: 1) Reduce food waste and increase farm profitability. This briefing paper will explore the possibility of building a regional system that enables harvesting of unused agricultural products, the use of these foods through value-added product development and distribution, grower education, grower certification for selling value-added, and processed food directly to consumers. This paper will be shared with key stakeholders, agriculture service providers and Extension teams. 2) Improving Rapid Dissemination of Information. This paper will identify improvements in the way information is shared with farmers about available federal and state programs and ways to increase participation and adoption is under production. The need became apparent during Covid-19 as programs were developed to support farm viability and information was shared at a rapid pace. Information came from many directions in a piecemeal fashion. This paper will be shared with key stakeholders, agriculture service providers and Extension teams.
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