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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...
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 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. US Army (Natick) Soldier Systems CenterA DoD installation responsible for the technology, research, development, engineering, fielding and sustainment of our military's food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems, and Soldier support items.In the CIFT Spotlight...
CIFT 2006 Report to IndustryA report of CIFT's 2006 programs, projects and activities HHS Food Facilities FDA Registration LetterThere has been some confusion regarding a form letter sent to food facilities by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ohio MarketMakerAn interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Ohio, providing an important link between producers and consumers.
Other Resources...
Privacy PolicyThe CIFT website privacy policy...
CIFT Producer Services
CIFT provides the following services for food producers:
Effective business models adapt to and evolve with market conditions. CIFT serves the critical needs of small-scale farmers trying to survive in an increasingly competitive environment. Opportunities exist for producers to foster new cooperatives or strengthen existing ones. CIFT's network of business advisors offers individuals information, technical assistance, and training on cooperative efforts. Groups of producers can get help with developing a concept and transforming a cooperative into a viable business entity.
Just as developing new products can enhance the prosperity of our nation&'s producers, so can opening the farm's "doors" to the public. CIFT's network of agribusiness advisors can demonstrate the economic potential associated with bringing consumers to the location of production as a way to educate and endear consumers to local farms. From modest farm stands to corn mazes and festivals, CIFT’s advisors provide the opportunities, issues and benefits associated with a variety of concepts for adding supplemental income to farm operations.
CIFT has written two free, downloadable guides, Starting an Agritourism Venture and Marketing Your Agritourism Venture, that describe the issues involved in developing and marketing an agritourism enterprise.
CIFT offers a full range of food safety services to food processors through microbiological consulting and testing, food safety auditing, and food safety and quality training. Producers developing a new food product require microbial assistance and shelf stability testing. Fruit and vegetable producers can benefit from a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) consultation in efforts to prepare for required certifications from retailers. Mock audits reflect progress towards preparation of the USDA audit. Training seminars are also offered to demonstrate proper handling and production of food products including worker hygiene and sanitation practices.
In collaboration with the Ohio Farm Bureau, CIFT has conducted food safety and GMP audits with growers throughout Ohio and Indiana ensuring quality and safety in production.
Growers can enhance business by exploring new markets for their products. CIFT's agribusiness advisors will help you understand how to market to consumers and provide the opportunities, issues and benefits associated with selling products to the government, institutions (including schools and restaurants), farmers' markets, and other venues.
Through direct marketing, more income remains with the producer while consumers benefit from fresh, wholesome alternative products with minimal processing.
For more information, download our free Producers' Resource Guide.
Traditional crops are driven by price – making operational efficiency and economies of scale critical to profitability. Specialty crops offer co-ops of producers an opportunity to produce higher value crops on a smaller scale.
CIFT's expert network of business advisors and food-based businesses utilizes industry knowledge and current technology to explore new methods for generating revenue for producers. Concepts are evaluated based on potential for near-term success, low barriers to market entry, specific market potential for products, and tangible benefits such as jobs created and income generated. CIFT conducts feasibility studies and market research on concepts that most closely demonstrate these qualities.
Through CIFT's consortium of member companies including food processors, equipment manufacturers and institutions, multiple research projects are conducted addressing an agreed industry challenge. CIFT serves as the catalyst in advancing the research component and implementing it within the marketplace. Commercializing technology strengthens the proficiency, productivity and profitability of agribusinesses in the state of Ohio and the nation. By directly connecting the processor and researcher, technology transfer is heightened and accelerated via immediate need and available avenue for implementation.
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CIFT, 5555 Airport Highway,
Ste 100, Toledo, Ohio 43615-7320
419.534.3710 877.668.3472 (toll-free) 419.531.8412 (fax) © 1995 - 2008 EISC, Inc. |