Food Systems

Food systems encompass all the people, processes and infrastructure involved in getting food from the farm to your table. Increasingly, Missourians are seeking information about how their food is produced, harvested, processed, distributed, marketed and accessed so that they can support their local communities. On this website, you — as a farmer or food business owner, consumer or community leader — will find information and resources to help you:

  • Create food systems that provide for profitable, thriving farms and businesses;
  • Steward our natural resources;
  • Ensure a safe and affordable food supply; and
  • Strengthen community relationships in rural and urban Missouri.

 

This MU Extension guide explores the concept of local food systems and gives an overview of the benefits of creating new opportunities within our community food systems.

Unprecedented study that highlights the role of hunger relief programs and the characteristics of households who receive support at food pantries.

Online tool that connects consumers with people growing and selling locally produced food.

Sign up to receive this monthly newsletter to receive news, resources, events, funding opportunities and more related to food systems and food and farm business.

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MU Extension hosts the Missouri Food Systems Network. The goal is to create strong and resilient community-based food systems that make positive economic impacts, enhance food access, and increase food security. Contact us to join our email list or share comments and questions.

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Events and online courses

Resources

Wild Edibles of Missouri

MO Department of Conservation web page with a link to an indexed, searchable PDF of the award-winning Wild Edibles of Missouri book.

AgriMissouri Farmers Market Handbook

A guide to creating and managing farmers markets and the laws and regulations that govern them. Developed by Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Agritourism Allows Farms To Diversify and Has Potential Benefits for Rural Comm…

This Amber Waves magazine article synthesizes two research articles on agritourism location, suggesting that agritourism is most viable as a business strategy in particular locations and that location and revenue factors differ.

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