Through a partnership with the National Park Service, the Foundation uses Piscataway Park to interpret agriculture and environmental stewardship, through time. The National Colonial Farm, a well known historic farm museum established in 1958, demonstrates Maryland agriculture during the 18th century, and has been the backdrop for hundreds of school tours each year. The Ecosystem Farm, a certified organic 8-acre farm, teaches about sustainable food production using innovative growing techniques. It is the goal of the farm to demonstrate a compelling variety of possibilities that inspire people to want to grow while creating a thriving engaged community.

ASA is a nonprofit land trust helping landowners conserve farmland in Washington and Rensselaer counties in the upper Hudson River Valley.

The Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) specializes in identifying resources about sustainable food systems and practices in support of USDA's effort to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and farmers worldwide.

American Dairy Association and Dairy Council (ADADC), Inc., is a non-profit corporation funded and directed by checkoff dollars from 9,000 dairy farm families in New York, Northern New Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania for the purpose of increasing sales of dairy and demand for dairy products.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Founded as the American Dietetic Association in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1917, a group of women collaborated to aid the government conserve food and improve the public's health and nutrition during World War I. After 95 years, the association changed its name in January 2012 to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics — complementing the focus of the organization to improve nutritional well-being, communicating the expertise of its members who are a part of a food- and science-based profession.

American Farmland Trust is the only national conservation organization dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. As the vital link among farmers, conservationists and policy-makers, we’re focused on ensuring the availability of the land that provides fresh food, a healthy environment and lasting rural landscapes.

Atlantic States Legal Foundation, Inc. (ASLF) is a New York chartered not-for-profit corporation founded in 1982 with its purpose being to provide technical, legal, and organizing services to a variety of citizens, citizen groups, local governments, and others on a wide variety of environmental issues.

The Baltimore Food Policy Initiative (BFPI) is an inter-governmental collaboration with the Department of Planning, Baltimore Office of Sustainability, Baltimore Development Corporation, and the Baltimore City Health Department. The goal of BFPI is to increase access to healthy and affordable foods in Baltimore City food deserts. BFPI is doing this through a holistic and comprehensive food systems approach.

Barnstable Sea Farms has been producing some of the best regional shellfish for nearly 25 years. We’ve had a good try at growing quahogs, steamers and sea clams, but in the end it’s all about the oysters.

The Baum Forum is a program of conferences and seminars held periodically to focus public and restaurant industry attention on food and agricultural issues. It's mission is to stimulate debate and help create informed decision-makers, from culinary students and professional food and beverage purchasers to home chefs and public policy makers.

The Berkshire County Boards of Health Association (BCBOHA) is a professional, educational organization serving the 32 local boards of health in Berkshire County, MA. BCBOHA also serves as the Berkshire County Emergency Preparedness Coalition.

Berkshire Grown supports and promotes local agriculture as a vital part of the Berkshire community, economy and landscape. We do this by… Advocating for farmers Supporting good agricultural practices Fostering Education and Outreach Food accessibility for the community Farm to table networking Promoting locally grown and produced food OUR VISION: Berkshire Grown is the “go to” network linking farmers and the Berkshire community. Through events, workshops, promotions, advocacy and education highlighting locally grown and produced food, Berkshire Grown helps to create a thriving local food economy.

The Burlington School Food Project offers wholesome, fresh and nutritious meals daily to 4,000 students in the Burlington School District. Offering local food is a central priority and we have made great strides over the last ten years. Depending on the season, our suppliers, and our budget, we purchase and serve from 10-40% local items. Apples, root crops, milk, and winter squash are consistently available. We provide: *Daily lunches that include soup, full salad bar, and milk *FREE breakfast and FREE after school supper for ALL students in the district *FREE lunch to students at C.P. Smith, Hunt, Integrated Arts Academy, JJ Flynn, and the Sustainability Academy*FREE extra servings of fruits and vegetables for all K-5 students during class

Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) strengthens farms and engages the community to build the local food economy. CISA is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. We began this work more than 20 years ago, and thousands of people in our region have contributed to our success and impact. More than 250 farms participate in our programs, and the number of residents who are committed to supporting local agriculture grows every day. Our Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® program, the longest-running agricultural buy-local campaign in the country, connects farmers and the community, improving farm business viability and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the region. Additional programs include Senior FarmShare, technical assistance for farms and food businesses, and research and support for local food and farm businesses of all kinds, including processors, distributors, and producers of value-added products like jams, cheeses, and pickles. Recent initiatives include CISA’s Emergency Farm Fund, significant expansion of our work in Hampden County, and support for the creation of the PVGrows Community Investment Fund, a project of the collaborative PVGrows Network.

Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) is the only land trust in the state dedicated to the protection of our family farms. Since our founding in 2002, we have protected over 2,500 acres of farmland ourselves, and have helped our partners protect nearly 1,000 additional acres. In spite of our efforts and those of our partners, every year Connecticut loses 20% more farmland than it saves. If we hope to have a vital regional food economy in the years to come, that pace is unsustainable.

Since 1966, Conservation Law Foundation has used the law, science, policymaking, and the business market to find pragmatic, innovative solutions to New England’s toughest environmental problems. Whether that means cleaning up Boston Harbor, protecting ocean fisheries to ensure continued supply, stopping unnecessary highway construction in scenic areas, or expanding access to public transportation, we are driven to make all of New England a better place to live, work, and play. What’s more, we have the toughness to hold polluters accountable, and the tenacity to see complex challenges through to their conclusion. CLF is also nimble enough to adjust course as conditions change to achieve the best outcomes. Our goal is not to preserve what used to be, but to create an even better New England — a region that’s truly thriving.

Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

Farm to School programs link schools with local farms. While programs vary one to another, they often include: school meals featuring local food, food and agriculture education in the classroom, school gardens, field trips to farms, and celebrations. Students learn about their local agriculture system and have better access to delicious local foods; farmers expand markets for their products; and local economies grow stronger.

Founded in 2001, Cultivating Community creates and sustains greater access to healthy, local foods; empowers people to play many roles in restoring the local, sustainable food system; and models, teaches, and advocates for ecological food production.

Dedicated to bringing locally grown food to the marketplace and to promoting a humane, sustainable agriculture system for the Greater Philadelphia region. Fair Food has been uniting local farmers with businesses and consumers for over a decade. We promote the importance of family farms and create a year-round marketplace for fresh, local and humane food products in the Greater Philadelphia region. We provide an assortment of programs and services that contribute to a strong and sustainable local food system. Supporting farmers, connecting consumers, educating the public and celebrating the joys of local food.

Mission Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of RI farmers and eaters. Part incubator, part activator, our programs grow the local food system by building capacity in three areas: Producers → Markets → Eaters Vision A New England abundant with diverse family farms and fertile soils, with locally and honestly produced foods and flavors at the heart of every dinnertable. Objectives Preserve Rhode Island farmland and our agricultural and culinary knowledge Build healthier communities Increase access to fresher, tastier food Improve impact of food production and distribution on our environment Strengthen community-based businesses

The Greenhorns is a non-traditional grassroots non-profit organization made up of young farmers and a diversity of collaborators. Our mission is to recruit, promote and support the new generation of young farmers. We do this by producing avant-garde programming, video, audio, web content, publications, events, and art projects that increase the odds for success and enhance the profile and social lives of America’s young farmers.

Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of hospitals and health care systems, medical professionals, community groups, health-affected constituencies, labor unions, environmental and environmental health organizations and religious groups. Health Care Without Harm has regional offices in Reston, Virginia; Brussels; Buenos Aires and Manila. In other world regions, we work with Strategic Partners based in New Delhi, Durban, Dar es Saalam and elsewhere.

The Henry P. Kendall Foundation is a legacy of its namesake, an early twentieth-century New England entrepreneur and industrialist (1878-1959) from Walpole, Massachusetts. Kendall's wide-ranging, venturesome business instincts led to acquisitions of factories and other companies through the company that bore his name, The Kendall Company.Since July of 2011 when the Henry P. Kendall Foundation launched its new program, we have been gathering information and getting acquainted with the issues, organizations and leaders who are working on rebuilding a healthy food system in New England. The work and thinking of these leaders and other national experts has informed the formulation of a strategy for the Kendall Foundation’s grantmaking. We are inspired by regional leaders who have begun to articulate a bold long term goal for the New England region.We look at the region and the food system as a whole, recognizing that many complementary strategies and tactics are required to create lasting change. Our aim is to work collaboratively with funders, grantees, and other public and private sector partners toward this vision by focusing our resources on two primary strategies.Our Regional Strategy works toward a New England food system that is connected and well-coordinated in all six states, where leaders across the region are collaborating toward a shared 2060 vision and key physical infrastructure is strategically planned and connected.Our Groundwork Strategy is focused on catalyzing inspiring examples of success in a few targeted geographic areas within New England that can be lifted up for others who seek to replicate their success. We have selected three geographies to start: Greater Boston, the State of Rhode Island, and the Route 91 corridor, stretching from Greenfield, MA to New Haven, CT.We acknowledge that inspiring examples already exist in the region. We believe our work will complement these efforts by sparking new ones and with a well-coordinated and connected region, these food system pioneers will be able to share and learn from others.

Good Food is Good Business. It’s our job, our mission, and our commitment to help you connect the two. From designing regional sourcing strategies and sustainability plans to developing cutting-edge food curricula, we customize our approach to changing the food environment in your communities, marketplaces, or within your own organizations. Our diverse team of thinkers and practitioners apply honed methodologies and tactical experience to each challenge and opportunity. Our unparalleled cross-sector network expands yours, whether you are a philanthropic organization, a community college, a global food distributor, or a children’s museum.

We facilitate sustainable purchasing relationships between local institutions and local farms, promote local food and agriculture education for students, and support state, regional and national networking of farm to school practitioners.

Monadnock Farm and Community Connection kicked off in 2007 through a series of community forums focused on strengthening the connection between the broader public and our vibrant agricultural community. MFCC was a wide range of volunteers and partner organizations' who have come together to address key issues like Education, Inventory, Policy and Infrastructure that help us grow a more resilient local food system. MFCC has celebrated local agriculture through events like Monadnock Matchmaker, Farm Appreciation Night and the Feast on this Film Festival, and was a driving force behind the inception of the Monadnock Food Co op, and Monadnock Menu

The Muskie School of Public Service is Maine’s distinguished public policy school, combining an extensive applied research and technical assistance portfolio with rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs in geography-anthropology, community planning and development (CPD), public health (MPH), and public policy and management (PPM). The school is nationally recognized for applying innovative knowledge to critical issues in the fields of sustainable development and health and human service policy and management, and is home to the Cutler Institute for Health and Social Policy.

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities. NSAC’s vision of agriculture is one where a safe, nutritious, ample, and affordable food supply is produced by a legion of family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while protecting the environment, and contributing to the strength and stability of their communities.

MISSION NYFC represents, mobilizes, and engages young farmers to ensure their success. VISION We envision a country where young people who are willing to work, get trained and take a little risk can support themselves and their families in farming. GUIDING PRINCIPLES The National Young Farmers Coalition supports practices and policies that will sustain young, independent and prosperous farmers now and in the future.

The focus of Distribution and Food Hubs sessions at this year's It Takes A Region Conference will be Postmortem: FoodEx 2008-2014, featuring a presentation by JD Kemp, FoodEx founder. FoodEx was an internet-based local food transporter and distributor, formerly based in Boston.

NESAWG's Research & Assessment Workgroup includes a diversity of practitioners, funders, researchers, planners, educators, advocates and others in its membership. What we share is an interest in more informed decision making and programming.As a Community of Practice/Learning, we draw from each others experience and expertise, sharing insights and challenges, identifying areas of common need and opportunity. Through that process, we've initiated the Northeast Food Knowledge Ecosystem pilot project. Partnering with a number of other regional organizations, NEFKE is a collaborative effort linking people, technology and information in support of a healthy, more resilient regional food system. We welcome input and engagement as we implement several exciting new collaborative tools and shared resources.

New England Farmers Union (NEFU), a membership organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, fishermen, nurserymen and their customers through educational opportunities, co-operative endeavors and civic engagement. NEFU was founded in 2006 as a charter member of the National Farmers Union (NFU) an agricultural advocacy organization founded in 1902 and based in Washington, D.C. NEFU farmers and fishermen drive policy positions. Our members engage New England elected officials and public agencies, and press them to implement and enforce laws and regulations that will strengthen New England’s agriculture and fisheries. Legislators from our region look to NEFU when deciding how to vote on policies that will have an impact on issues such as: Dairy: New England dairies are small and face different issues than dairy farms in other parts of the country. NEFU works with lawmakers to ensure that our region’s dairy farmers have a voice in shaping policies that affect milk prices and regulations. Direct Sales: New England farmers rely on sales directly to consumers and local food producers. NEFU fights to protect the economic viability of small-scale growers and producers. Sustainability: New England farmers leverage resources from public agencies to develop sustainable practices that protect their long-term viability. NEFU educates legislators about how small investments in our region can have a significant impact on our food, the environment and our economy. Conservation: From our coastlands to our mountains, New England abounds with natural resources and beauty. NEFU advocates for policies that preserve our rural and coastal landscape while enhancing our region’s economic well-being. Energy and Food Security: By promoting co-operative educational and business enterprises, NEFU works to ensure that our children will live in a region that can feed and fuel itself.

Welcome to the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets' website. Our mission is to foster a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits producers and consumers alike. Agriculture makes up one-quarter of the State's land area and contributes immensely to the quality of life in New York State by generating economic activity and producing wholesome products to nourish our families. We work diligently to promote a viable agricultural industry, foster agricultural environmental stewardship, and safeguard our food supply.

CT NOFA is a growing community of farmers, gardeners, land care professionals, and consumers that encourages a healthy relationship to the natural world. CT NOFA: Promotes methods of farming, gardening, and land care that respect biodiversity, soil, water, air, and the needs of future generations through education, support, and advoca Encourages the growth of a sustainable, regional food system that is ecologically sound, economically viable and socially just. Educates consumers about their power to effect positive changes through their food and land care choices. Increases the local and organic food supply and maintains productive agricultural land by creating opportunities for new and veteran farmers. CT NOFA is working toward: The growth of organic food production in Connecticut, resulting in local, sustainable agricultural systems. A clean, safe, healthy environment to pass on to future generations. Preservation of existing farmland in the state. An abundant supply of organically grown food for Connecticut citizens.

Through education and advocacy NOFA/Mass promotes organic agriculture to expand the production and availability of nutritious food from living soil for the health of individuals, communities and the planet. NOFA/Mass envisions a commonwealth of people working together to create healthy landscapes that feed our communities and restore our environment.

Our Mission: We actively promote regenerative, ecologically sound gardening, farming and land care practices for healthy communities. We help people build local, sustainable, healthy food systems.

Founded in 1983, NOFA-NY is a statewide organization leading a growing movement of farmers, consumers, gardeners, and businesses committed to promoting sustainable, local, organic food and farming. We provide education, assistance, and support to regionally-based, sustainable farmers to help them thrive; educate consumers about the value in buying local, organic products; help consumers connect with regionally-based farmers; work to make local, organic food available to all people; and advocate policies that support a sustainable food and farm system. Our organization promotes the stewardship of the land and the lives that inhabit it. Stewardship encompasses the long term viability of our natural resource base; the health of consumers; the working conditions of farmers, their families and workers; the needs of communities; and the welfare of farm animals.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont is a nonprofit association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations.

The NOFA Interstate Council provides coordination between the chapters, conducts the annual NOFA Summer Conference and acts as an umbrella organization for projects of collective concern to NOFA chapters, such as the Northeast Interstate Organic Certification Committee. Each of the seven state chapters comprising the Northeast Organic Farming Association provides educational conferences, workshops, farm tours and printed materials to educate farmers, gardeners, consumers and land care professionals. The Natural Farmer, the quarterly newspaper of the NOFA Interstate Council, publishes features on organic farming techniques, certification issues, environmental developments as they impact farmers and growers, organic market conditions and other topics of interest to the Northeast organic community.

The Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance’s mission is to enhance and maintain healthy marine ecosystems by organizing a decentralized network of community-based fishermen, fishworkers and allies.We are a fishermen-led organization that promotes fleet diversity and gives a voice to independent, community based fishermen.We work with community based fishermen on market and policy alternatives that protect and maintain marine biodiversity while ensuring healthy local fishing economies that feed healthy food systems. We advocate for policies and practices that will sustain our fisheries.

The Real Food Challenge leverages the power of youth and universities to create a healthy, fair and green food system.

School Food FOCUS is a national collaborative that leverages the knowledge and procurement power of large school districts to make school meals nationwide more healthful, regionally sourced, and sustainably produced. Funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, and a growing number of sponsors, individuals, and private funders, FOCUS aims to transform food systems to support students’ academic achievement and lifelong health, while directly benefiting farmers, regional economies, and the environment. School Food FOCUS is a program of Public Health Solutions.

Seacoast Eat Local connects people with sources of locally grown foods and advocates eating locally for the health of our environment, community, culture and economy. Through advocacy, organizing and education, we work toward a sustainable local food system that meets the needs of both producers and consumers. Our work includes operating a SNAP/EBT Farmers’ Market Program, organizing winter farmers’ markets, producing a local food guide, Seacoast Harvest, sponsoring workshops and events, and providing information through our email newsletter, blog and website, http://www.seacoasteatlocal.org

SEMAP is dedicated to preserving and expanding access to local food and sustainable farming in southeastern Massachusetts through research and education. SEMAP believes that local agriculture is essential to the health and vitality of our community and our economy. Sustaining farmers and farm businesses, and expanding access to local food are at the core of our mission. We provide technical assistance to farmers, educate the community on the importance of local agriculture, work to increase the functionality of our region’s food system, and connect all people to local food.

The Center for Sustainable Agriculture advances sustainable food and farming systems in Vermont and beyond. We cultivate partnership, support innovative research and practices, and inform policy to benefit Vermont communities and the UVM campus.

For more than 100 years, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension has delivered education tailored to local needs. Our faculty and staff, located in offices around the state, help improve the quality of life of Vermonters through research-based educational programs and practical information. UVM Extension integrates higher education, research and outreach to help individuals and communities put knowledge to work in their families and homes, farms, businesses, towns and the natural environment.

"The Vermont Agency of Agriculture's mission is to facilitate, support and encourage the growth and viability of agriculture while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment."

Vermont FEED grew out of a belief that the growing disconnect from our land, our food and our agricultural roots was neither healthful nor sustainable; and that we could simultaneously promote the resurgence of local farms and increase equitable access to fresh, healthy food for all children through education and outreach in schools. Founded in 2000, Vermont FEED has worked with more than one third of Vermont schools to create robust and viable Farm to School programs. As of 2007, Vermont FEED serves as the Northeast Regional Lead for the National Farm to School Network. Vermont Food Education Every Day (FEED) is a Farm to School program run as a partnership of two Vermont non-profit organizations: Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), and Shelburne Farms.

Vital Communities is a regional nonprofit organization based in White River Junction, VT, that works to engage citizens, organizations, and communities in creating solutions to our region's challenges. Core Values Vital Communities' agenda and programs emerge from, and are driven by, regional needs and community interests. Vital Communities takes on issues where regional coordination and leadership can achieve results. As a neutral convener, Vital Communities brings diverse people and organizations together to devise and implement collaborative solutions. Vital Communities serves sixty-nine towns in the Upper Connecticut River Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire. The perimeter of our service area includes Ryegate, VT and Bath, NH in the north; New London, NH in the east; Walpole, NH and Westminster, VT in the south; and Bethel, VT in the west.

Wellness in the Schools (WITS) inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness and fitness as a way of life for kids in public schools. Through meaningful public/private partnerships with school leadership, teachers, chefs, coaches, parents and kids, WITS develops and implements programs that provide healthy foods, healthy environments and opportunities for regular play to help kids learn and grow. Today WITS programs serve approximately 30,000 public school children across New York City, Kentucky, and Florida. In 2005 a group of concerned public school parents united around the conviction that healthier bodies make healthier minds and that, conversely, unhealthy school environments interfere with student health, school attendance and academic achievement. Our goal is simple: we want our children to have the best possible environment in which to learn and grow.