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The Center |
Staff
Members Membership RSS Feeds CIFT Video Library News Archive Contact Us |
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The Center |
Staff
Members Membership RSS Feeds CIFT Video Library News Archive Contact Us |
Special Programs...
Our City in a GardenOur City in a Garden is an urban, Toledo-based system to produce, prepare, distribute, process, and preserve healthy food products in the community, and to accomplish these ends in a manner that stresses environmental sustainability.
CIFT MembershipSince 1995, CIFT has organized and managed a membership-based consortium of food industry companies, their suppliers, and academic institutions. The goal of the consortium is to enhance the economic viability of Ohio's food and agricultural sector through technology.
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.
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 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.
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...
CIFT 2008 Report to IndustryA report of CIFT's 2008 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. 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. 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.
CIFT Resources...
CIFT News ArchiveA repository of past CIFT news stories... CIFT RSS FeedsSubscribe to CIFT RSS feeds... CIFT Video LibraryA collection of CIFT event videos... Contact UsThe CIFT contact page with phone numbers, email addresses and directions... Privacy PolicyThe CIFT website privacy policy...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. FoodSafety.govFoodSafety.gov is your source for the latest news and information on food safety issues. Grants.govGrants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal government grants. Quick Reference Guide to Growth FinancingThis MEP guide provides information on general financing options, programs, and techniques available to small and medium-sized enterprises and companies pursuing growth oriented strategies.
CIFT News
Celebrating Toledo's Specialty Foods - CIFT Presents Awards to Winners of the 2009 Second Annual Product Development Competition
CIFT recognizes that Northwest Ohio is rich with regional and nationally recognizable, locally developed specialty and signature products. To celebrate Toledo's specialty foods, CIFT conducts an annual Food Product Development Competition that encourages entrepreneurs to present concepts for start up food businesses.
As with the 2008 competition, many applicants submitted food product ideas. The competition was judged by industry experts, including Larry Croy, president of LarMar Foods, Inc.; Steven Hirzel, president of Hirzel Canning Company; Walt Churchill, owner of Churchill's Markets; Dr. Ken Lee, Ohio State University Food Science and Technology Department; and Dave Beck, president of CIFT. Guest judge, Dan Foote from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur's office, also participated. This year's competion yielded no less than three outstanding products. The winning products include a soda, barbecue sauce and paprikas base.
Food Product Competition Awards Presentation - Awards presentation and remarks by Ohio 9th District Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Mr. David Beck, President & CEO - CIFT, and Rebecca Singer, Associate Program Manager - CIFT. (21 minutes)
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Grape Lakes Soda Pop is the creation of Keith and Amanda Marok of Maroks Glassroots. It is a refreshing carbonated soft drink made with a blend of Great Lakes regional fruit juices.The Maroks displayed the soda in hand-blown stopper bottles complete with label artwork. "With balanced carbonation and sweet flavors, our product serves as an alternative to the existing products in today's beverage market," says Mr. Marok. The vision began with the first batch made for a cousin's wedding reception and, at the request of all who tried it, the Maroks are looking to market their soft drink creations to small retail outlets. |
Congresswoman Kaptur with Keith and Amanda Marok |
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Kyle Baker's entry, Gertie's Premium Barbeque Sauce, is named in memory of his mother Gertrude and is not just a grilling sauce; it is used as a glaze, salad dressing and dipping sauce. Kyle envisions his product packaged in a variety of ways, from small containers for consumers to large institutional gallon jars that restaurants can purchase. "The slogan for Gertie's Premium Barbeque Sauce is 'We bring it all together' because of the extraordinary taste that it gives," explained Mr. Baker. |
Congresswoman Kaptur with Kyle Baker |
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A Paprikas Base, submitted by Edit Karakas is an authentic Hungarian recipe that can be served with noodles, rice and pasta. This base allows for a quick and delicious meal in minutes by simply adding meat or enjoying as a soup base. "What makes this product unique is that Toledo has a large Hungarian ethnic base and this type of product is not available to the public through grocery stores, only restaurants," explains Ms. Karakas. |
Congresswoman Kaptur with Edit Karakas |
On July 6, 2009, Ninth District Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and CIFT President David Beck presented awards to the winners of the 2009 CIFT Product Development Competition. In presenting the awards, Representative Kaptur stated, "As we struggle through our economic furture, we have to think about innovation as a foundation stone for new jobs and new responsibilities. So today, we congratulate you for taking the best from our region and presenting it to a larger audience than your own family and friends. You really are part of our future."
"Of the numerous applicants, these winners represent unique products appropriate for Toledo's signature distinction. It is with pleasure that CIFT assists these and other food entrepreneurs with advancing products to market while, in turn, impacting economic growth in the region," stated Mr. Beck.
As part of award, CIFT staff members will guide the winners through the process required to take a product from concept to reality. The award winners will receive direct consultation and technical assistance ranging from increased batch production, product and process development, shelf stability testing, labeling review, regulatory assistance, and batch product preparations for sampling. Each will follow good manufacturing practices to ensure a safe, quality product is brought to market.
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