I've set up a new working group on the Ohio Local Food Systems Collaborative (OLFSC) website for OSU faculty, staff and students. You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the OLFSC (now accessible at localfoodsystems.org) and are now in the OSU faculty and staff group. This group will show up in "Your Groups" on the left side of the page, but not in the groups listing visible to all users. It serves essentially as an email listserve, and also a blogging site, for those at OSU who are interested in food systems.
Manufacturing has developed some principles that can be applied to local food systems. The point is not that we're interested in producing more food widgets, its that efficiency (energy, water, nutrients, etc.) is very important in the design, operation and ultimate success. Here's an example of application of these principles from the OSU Fisher College of Business. And kudos to Thom Stevenson and Chef Mark Newton for bringing this expertise to the table. An excerpt:
"Greg Leach's project could help farmers across Ohio.
We submitted a proposal to create a new OSU Extension "Signature Program" around the Local Food Systems issue. There are nearly 50 collaborators from several departments, centers and offices around the state. We welcome input and ideas for moving forward... regardless whether an official designation is granted or not.
By working together on the local food systems issue, we can help Ohio improve the health of her citizens and economy. Thank you.
Impressive list of updates during this morning's call on local food systems work in OSU Extension; I found some good connections and opportunities in the mix.
Local Food Systems Team
– WebEx Meeting –
Thursday, December 17, 2009, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
MEETING NOTES:
Local Food Systems proposal:
$5,000 proposal not funded this time. Our “signature program” proposal will be revisited. Even with no funding, a “Local Foods Signature Program” makes sense!