 |
The Center |
Staff
Members Membership RSS Feeds CIFT Video Library News Archive Contact Us |
|
The Center |
Staff
Members Membership RSS Feeds CIFT Video Library News Archive Contact Us |
Special Programs...
Energy & Environmental ManagementEnergy and environmental management initiatives can improve the bottom line for businesses through cost reduction and alternative revenue pathways, essentially enhancing market competitiveness.
Northwest Ohio Energy Crop CenterThe mission of the Northern Ohio Energy Crop Center is the identification and evaluation of opportunities to involve regional growers, processors and other entrepreneurs in biofuel production.
Food SafetyThis page covers food safety issues ranging from safety recalls and safe food handling practices to regulatory guidelines.
Local InitiativesCIFT Local Initiatives include the Farm to School Program, Local Food Manufacturers Program, Agritourism and the Farm to Chef Program.
NOCKThe Agricultural Incubator Foundation's Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) is a nonprofit kitchen facility designed to assist entrepreneurial efforts and expand current food-related businesses by providing access to a commercially licensed kithchen.
Northwest Ohio Green Products CenterThe Northwest Ohio Green Products Center is a collaborative effort among several partnering organizations to provide the resources, technical assistance and business expertise to regional entrepreneurs or established manufacturers who currently produce, or plan to produce, green or biobased products.
USDA-ARS Technology Transfer ProgramUSDA-ARS technology transfer provides a means for moving promising technologies discovered through federal and university research into the public arena where they are developed into marketable products. USDA-ARS accomplishes this by forming partnerships with universities and private sector businesses.
In the CIFT Spotlight...
USDA Announces REAP Grant/Loan Guarantee FundingUSDA has announced the long-awaited availability of funding for the 2009 program year for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
USDA Releases Beginning Farmers and Ranchers PublicationUSDA-ERS Economic Information Bulletin EIB-53 (32 pp, May 2009) draws on data from annual surveys and the Census of Agriculture to provide policymakers with a better understanding of beginning farmers and ranchers, including how they contribute to U.S. agricultural production.
CIFT 2007 Report to IndustryA report of CIFT's 2007 programs, projects and activities
Hoop HousesA CIFT hoop house feasibility study that will determine what plants are appropriate to plant and when these plants will generate the greatest economic return.
Ohio Federal Stimulus Bill WebsiteAn Ohio website where parties interested in federal stimulus dollars can submit ideas.
Ohio MarketMakerAn interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Ohio, providing an important link between producers and consumers.
Vertical Hydroponic Growing SystemsA high density vertical growing system designed for non-traditional production locations. The system enables plants to grow in significantly smaller spaces and in varying ground covers from concrete to parking lots.
Other Resources...
Current FDA RecallsThe Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction over recalls involving food and pet & farm animal feed. This page is a list of the latest FDA food recall notices. Current USDA RecallsThe Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects and regulates meat, poultry products and eggs. This page is a list of the latest USDA food recall notices. Privacy PolicyThe CIFT website privacy policy...
CIFT News
Expansion of USDA BioPreferred Program & Program Coordinator Hired to Assist Local Initiatives
Northwest Ohio has the perfect blend of manufacturing capacity and agricultural components creating a natural center for biobased product development. The Northwest Ohio Green Products Center was established to advance the production efforts of biobased or "green" products throughout the region. Mr. James Matzinger has been hired to serve as Program Coordinator for the Northwest Ohio Green Products Center housed at the CIFT. Mr. Matzinger has an extensive background in business development, engineering, marketing, sales and customer service providing a framework of resources for existing companies or entrepreneurial efforts with regard to biobased products. Biobased products are composed, in whole or significant part, from renewable plant or animal materials rather than synthetic chemicals or hydrocarbons and petroleum-based ingredients.
A significant component of the services provided through the Center relates to the USDA BioPreferred Program. This program is designed to provide governmental procurement preference to biobased products provided those products are determined appropriate and on the approved list. USDA recently announced 27 new groupings of biobased products for procurement meaning 2,469 biobased products now qualify for federal agencies and contractors to purchase provided the biobased content has been proven, quantities are readily available and the price reasonable.
Roof coatings, adhesives, hand cleaners and sanitizers, disposable containers, fertilizers, grease removers and much more are included in the approved product categories. Manufacturers who currently produce biobased products, those who have the potential to produce the products, or entrepreneurs investigating the creation of biobased items are encouraged to contact the Northwest Ohio Green Products Center to learn more about the extensive services available to assist companies advance their concepts and explore the USDA BioPreferred program as an increased market opportunity. "The purpose of the Northwest Ohio Green Products Center is to educate and promote the economic, environmental, and business potential associated with developmental efforts in green products. The opportunities are endless and as demonstrated through the commitment of the USDA BioPreferred Program, engagement in this area is gaining momentum and provides a niche opportunity for many local businesses," comments Matzinger.
Mr. Matzinger, a graduate of the University of Toledo with a Masters degree specializing in Economic Development and a Bachelor of Science degree focused on business and technology development, is poised to guide local businesses down the path of development and advancement. As a leader in alternative energy and new technology, coupled with a unique manufacturing base, Northwest Ohio serves as a prime location for continued green product development.
To learn more about the Northwest Ohio Green Products Center and the services available, call 419.724.8343 or visit www.nwohiogreenproducts.org.
|
CIFT, 5555 Airport Highway,
Ste 100, Toledo, Ohio 43615-7320
419.535.6000 877.668.3472 (toll-free) 419.531.8412 (fax) © 1995 - 2009 EISC, Inc. |
NW Ohio Ag Breakfast Forum to Feature Ohio Wine Industry Issues and Updates
CIFT Kicks Off Its Farm to Chef Program - The 2009 Northwest Ohio Fresh Network
For Food Entrepreneurs, Opportunity Knocks at CIFT-Sponsored NOCK Breakfast Meeting
CIFT and Agricultural Incubator Foundation Hosts Grant and Funding Strategies Forum
Celebrate Toledo`s Specialty Foods Product Development Competition
CIFT Kicks Off the Northwest Ohio Ag-Business Breakfast Forum with Facts on Corn - Food versus Fuel
Food Brokers: Getting Your Product from Production to Market
Please visit the News Archive for earlier press releases & news.