 |
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...
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.
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.
In the CIFT Spotlight...
The Fresh Sheet is back!!!The Farm to Chef Fresh Sheet is back for the 2008 growing season! Check out the locally grown produce available now. Check the Fresh Sheet weekly for updates.
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...
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...
Projects
Direct Marketing initiatives and outreach associated with local produce is a focus of the Rural Income Enhancement program. Multiple avenues have been pursued to explore how and where local producers can enhance their operation and expand market potential. One such effort is visible through the Farm to Chef program and the “Fresh Sheets” distributed weekly to more than 25 farmers and 150 local chefs searching for fresh ingredients for their tasty creations. These ingredients range from certified organic and heirloom varieties of produce to poultry, meat, eggs, specialty baked goods, and value-added items such as jams and chutneys. Farmers are connected to restaurants therein establishing a method of communicating desired products and means of accessing them.
A similar initiative is being conducted with school systems to identify the appropriate produce to incorporate into the school lunch programs. Minimal processing is likely necessary, but with CIFT’s extensive network of food manufacturers, it is possible to accommodate some of these needs. Restaurants and schools are just two examples of the market opportunities identified in the “Producers Resource Guide” a publication which focuses on multiple areas of opportunity including farm markets, selling to the government, community supported agriculture, wholesale at auctions, institutional business and more. The benefits, opportunities and challenges associated with each outlet are identified and explained serving as a guide to producers looking at new avenues for their products. Local produce efforts are beneficial for the local economy, growers, and end consumers.
|
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. |
Ken Lee and Dan McGrady Elected to EISC, Inc. Governing Board
Expansion of USDA BioPreferred Program & Program Coordinator Hired to Assist Local Initiatives
Please visit the News Archive for earlier press releases & news.