Resource Guides

CIFT Producers' Resource Guide (PDF format* - 935 kB)

This publication provides farmers with the recommendations, contact information, Internet resources, programs and institutions where local farmers can connect for success.  Click on the title above to download the pamphlet.

Extending Seasons and Profitability Through a Growing Environment (PDF format* - 5.19 mB)

Call them what you like, but hoop houses have been successfully used in many regions of the world for years, and are catching on in the U.S. This guide is a collection of fact sheets consolidating hoop house information and resources into one publication.

Marketing Your Agritourism Venture (PDF format* - 1.80 mB)

It sounds complicated, but the goals are pretty simple. Marketing makes your customers aware of your business, motivates them to visit you, and encourages them to purchase items unique to your farm. This guide covers marketing strategies geared toward generating publicity and public awareness of your agritourism venture.

Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) (PDF format* - 2 mB)

This brochure describes the NOCK, a nonprofit commercial kitchen facility designed to assist entrepreneurial efforts and expand current food-related businesses, its mission and the services it provides.  Click on the title above to download the pamphlet.

Northwest Ohio Food Manufacturers 2008 (PDF format* - 731 kB)

This guides lists Northwest Ohio food manufacturers. The guide is arranged by product category and provides contact information, as well as, a description of the products offered.

Renewable Energy Applications for Agricultural Enterprises (PDF format* - 375 kB)

This guide answers frequently-asked questions about renewable energy alternatives that apply to agricultural operations. It serves as a tool to judge the initial feasibility of various options.

Starting an Agritourism Venture (PDF format* - 1.42 mB)

This guide is an overview of what is involved in developing an agritourism enterprise.  Subjects include rules & regulations, liability issues, zoning & building codes, food safety, water issues, sanitation, safety planning, hiring employees and promoting & marketing your business.

Starting a Farmers' Market (PDF format* - 111 kB)

This paper addresses organizing and running a farmers' market.  Subjects include vendor/seller considerations, location & facilities, operations, and advertising & promotion.

USDA BioPreferred^SM Program (PDF format* - 94 kB)

This brochure describes the USDA BioPreferred^SM Program, a biobased procurement program, that requires Federal Government agencies to give purchasing preferences to businesses providing products composed totally, or in large part, of renewable domestic, agricultural or forestry materials.

*The document requires the Adobe Reader.  

CIFT News...

• An Urban Agriculture Opportunity Unveiled: Promedica Announces First Harvest at its Vertical Hydroponics Garden

• Celebrating Toledo's Specialty Foods: CIFT & the Northwest Ohio Restaurant Association Announce Winning Food Entries in the 1st Annual Product Development Competition

• Beck Chosen as President and CEO of EISC, Inc.

• Ken Lee and Dan McGrady Elected to EISC, Inc. Governing Board

• CIFT Publishes Northwest Ohio Food Manufacturers Directory

• CIFT Investigates High Density Vertical Growing System

• Expansion of USDA BioPreferred Program & Program Coordinator Hired to Assist Local Initiatives

• USDA Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program

• Snacks Made with Alternative Flours

• Ohio MarketMaker Launches

• CIFT Hosts Enhanced Food Production Systems Seminar

Please visit the News Archive for earlier press releases & news.