Local Food Survey Results for Crawford and Vernon Counties

Local Food Networks in Southwestern Wisconsin
An Evaluation of Food and Culture Tourism
Fresh Food Production for Local Food Networks

Survey Overview
This survey was conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison and the University Extension with support from community partners to explore the vitality and viability of local food networks in Vernon (pop. 28,000) and Crawford Counties (pop. 17,000) in Southwest Wisconsin. This rural region was chosen due to the prevalence of tourism as a driver in the local economy, the region’s rural character and tradition of small family farms, and a growing interest in the impact of local food sales and agri-tourism.

The survey was designed with three parts to provide a clearer understanding of relationships between producers, retailers, and consumers in the region: a producer survey involving current and future interest in sales to local markets, a retailer and restaurant survey regarding current and future interest in sourcing from local producers, and a survey of regional tourists regarding the extent to which local food and culture influenced their visit to the region.

The results of these surveys are intended to better inform producers that are considering local marketing, restaurant and retail business owners considering offering local products, tourism planning organizations, and tourism based businesses. For purposes of this survey “local” was defined as a three hour driving distance from the buyer’s location.

Full reports may be viewed downloaded at http://crawford.uwex.edu/cnred/index.html#Localfood “Food and Culture Tourism Study Reports.” The full report is also attached below. Note that the results reported in this summary have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

Laura Brown
Community & Economic Development Educator
Crawford County UW Cooperative Extension
608-326-0224
laura.brown@ces.uwex.edu
www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/crawford

Local%20Food%20Networks%20in%20Crawford%20Vernon%20Counties%20Reports%20Summary%202009.pdf

Acidified Canned Foods Training (2009-2010)

Wisconsin Acidified Canned Foods Training for Small
Businesses, trained nearly 200 businesses this past year. The program
has been revised and updated to reflect changing state regulations. This
training is required for licensing for businesses wishing to can
acidified foods like salsa and pickles for sale.

NEW! Will be the chance to bring product samples for preliminary pH and
water activity testing (for free) at the end of the program.

Cost of the training is $75.00* per person. Fee includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Pre-registration is required. Payment must be made at time of registration. On-site registrations will not be accepted.

You can register online at: http://www.peopleware.net/2723

For training questions, please contact Barb Ingham (608) 263-7383 or bhingham@wisc.edu.

Brochure is attached
Canned%20Food%20Training.pdf

Vegetable Crops Storage Workshop (DEC)

While hoop houses and related tools and techniques get most of the attention from those wanting to extend their growing season, what about extending your marketing season by growing storage crops? The local foods market is hungry year-round and there are tremendous opportunities to supply stores, restaurants, CSA members, and institutions with local produce throughout the winter months. In addition, winter farmers markets are becoming more and more popular in many communities.

Selling winter storage crops, carrots, beets, winter squash, cabbage, potatoes, onions, garlic and more, helps improve cash flow during the winter months and enables you to maintain relationships with customers throughout most or all of the year.

Join us for this timely workshop on how to take advantage of storage crops to improve your farm’s bottom line. Topics will include best varieties, storage conditions and structures, and the labor demands and economics of winter sales.

Speakers will include experienced growers and University faculty and staff. The workshop will be held in two locations. Cost: $35.

December 4, Hudson, WI, 9:30 - 3:00
Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St, Hudson, WI Featured farmer speakers: Janaki Fisher,Merritt, Food Farm and David Van Eekout, Hogsback Farm

December 11, Madison, WI, 9:30 - 3:00
West Madison Ag. Research Station, 8502 Mineral Point Rd, Verona Featured farmer speakers: Steve Pincus, Tipi Produce and Mike Noltnerwyss, Primrose Community Farm

Lunch will be provided at both events. For more information, contact John Hendrickson, 608-265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu

Make check payable to University of Wisconsin-Madison, and return to CIAS,
Attn: Storage Crops Workshop, 1535 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706
Sponsored by: Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, UW-Madison and Sow the Seeds, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Minneapolis

CANCELLED - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH LOCAL FOODS WORKSHOP IN PLATTEVILLE

The Buy Local Buy Wisconsin workshop titled, "Making Decisions about Local Food Sales Opportunities using the Holistic Management Framework," scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2009, in Platteville has been CANCELLED. The WI Dept of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Local Fare apologize for any inconvenience.

We encourage those interested to attend instead the Madison session of the workshop, on Thursday, November 12. For more information and to register, please visit our website, at www.datcp.state.wi.us/registration/workshops.jsp.

Please direct any questions to Kenneth Monroe, by email at kenneth.monroe@wisconsin.gov, or by phone at (608) 224-5112.