U.P. farmers sought for survey

The U.P Food Exchange, an entity created to support local food activity led
by the Marquette Food Co-op and MSU Extension, is looking for farmers to respond to a survey.

The Food Exchange has created a U.P-wide Agricultural Assessment survey for all farms that sell directly to consumers. The organization is seeking all U.P producers to participate in this assessment, especially those who do not currently participate in the USDA Agriculture Census.

This survey is being conducted by the U.P. Food Exchange, a collaborative effort led by the Marquette Food Co-op and MSU Extension in conjunction with the Western U.P. Health Department.

The U.P. Food Exchange (UPFE, The Exchange) is an entity created in November of 2012 with funds from a Regional Food Systems Grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. UPFE supports local food activities already taking place within the Upper Peninsula’s distinct regions (eastern, central, western), and assists with the development and ongoing maintenance of the three successful regional food hubs. UPFE serves as a resource portal for farmers, businesses, and individuals looking to connect with and actively participate in their local food system.

The agencies are trying to get an accurate picture of the farming community in Upper Michigan. The information collected from farmers will be folded into a larger economic impact study of the U.P. local food system.  Crossroads Resource Center will conduct that study (www.crcworks.org). The combined survey results are expected at the three Local Food Summits that will take place across the U.P. this fall.

The survey is available online at www.upfoodexchange.com or by phone at 906-225-0671 ext. 11. The deadline to fill out the survey is Wednesday, July 31st at midnight.

For more information, contact Kathryn O’Donnell, Project Assistant with
U.P. Food Exchange, at (906) 225-0671 ext. 11 or via Email: kodonnell@marquettefood.coop.