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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Jim Konecny |
Center for Innovative Food Technology Announces Executive Reorganization and New Positions
TOLEDO, OH – The Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT) announced an executive reorganization to better align roles and enhance efficiency for the food research and technology-based organization. Among the changes:
"The Center for Innovative Food Technology has a proud 15-year history, and this reorganization positions us for a great future," David Beck, president and CEO said. "This will help us better streamline our organization which ultimately helps add further value to our strong member base."
One of the senior members at CIFT, Singer identifies and evaluates strategies to advance emerging agricultural sectors. In this role, she provides direction to the small business and alternative energy crop programs of the organization along with identification of value-added opportunities. From technological advancements in production to minimal processing, the mission to identify innovative business endeavors within the industry is continually pursued. Singer joined the CIFT team in September 2001.
Hermiller is responsible for all of CIFT's finance operations, including financial plans, statement and operation budget processes. She also handles financial assessments for new program development, forecasting, controllership, tax compliance and payroll. She has been with CIFT for more than 13 years.
With more than 30 years of managerial experience, Ruiz manages CIFT’s execution of food manufacturing, renewable fuels and environmental projects throughout Ohio. He also oversees business development and project execution workflow systems for the organization. Prior to CIFT he was in engineering and management roles in the pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, personal care products and biofuels industries.
Konecny directs the areas of marketing, communications, advertising, media relations, website, printed materials, among others. He comes from Toledo-based ProMedica Health System, where he held various management positions, including his role on the original executive team involved in building and opening the $84 million state-of-the-art Bay Park Community Hospital in Oregon, OH.
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CIFT, 5555 Airport Highway,
Ste 100, Toledo, Ohio 43615-7320
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