New Tool to Support Food Businesses Released
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EmailA new resource, "Food Innovation Districts: An Economic Gardening Tool," offers guidance on helping farm and food businesses collaborate.
A new resource, “Food Innovation Districts: An Economic Gardening Tool,” offers guidance on helping farm and food businesses collaborate. It is based on the idea of forming food innovation districts, or geographic concentrations of food-oriented businesses, services, and community activities.
When supported through local planning and economic development initiatives, such districts can promote positive business environments, spur regional food system development, and increase access to local food. The idea was first promoted as one of the agenda priorities of the Michigan Good Food Charter.
Funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant, the guidebook was released by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. For more information, see www.nwm.org/food-innovation-districts.