BLUEPRINT FOR A NATIONAL FOOD STRATEGY
This project, a partnership between CAFS and Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic, examines the potential for developing a national food strategy in the United States. Through legal and original research, the Blueprint Project considers the need for a national food strategy, how other countries have developed national food strategies in response to similar food systems challenges faced by the United States, and the process by which the United States has developed national strategies in response to other issues. The resources created by this project provide a roadmap for the adoption of national food strategy in order to ensure a food secure future for all Americans. Visit the project website here, and read and interact with the report here.
Healthy Food Policy Project
This is a four-year project funded by the USDA National Agricultural Library, and led by CAFS in collaboration with the Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law and the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut. The Healthy Food Policy Project (HFPP) identifies and elevates local laws that seek to promote access to healthy food, contribute to strong local economies, an improved environment, and health equity, with a focus on socially disadvantaged and marginalized groups. The project will identify and document pioneering and exemplary local policy innovations to increase awareness about promising and emerging policy approaches and support communities in the development of their own policy solutions. For more information, read our project overview and project definitions here, see our Food System Crosswalk document here, and stay tuned for a full website launch in November 2017 (www.healthyfoodpolicyproject.org).
National Gleaning Project
The National Gleaning Project addresses the need for a national network to connect organizations and individuals engaged in gleaning and food recovery across the United States. These organizations vary in size, structure, and mission, but are all working to reduce food waste and insecurity in their communities. The Project developed the online gleaning resources hub to provide a clearinghouse for gleaning and food recovery-related information.
Farmland ACcess LEGAL project
This is a three-year project funded by the USDA National Agricultural Library, and led by CAFS in partnership with BCM Environmental Land Law, PLLC and Jambor Heyman LLP. Geared towards farm-seekers, farmers, landowners, and their advocates, the Farmland Access Legal Project offers information on more affordable and equitable land access arrangements. This web resource will contain sections on leasing, farmland transfer, and innovative models of access and feature a wide variety of case studies. The first piece that has been produced is this guide compiling existing online legal resources.
Farmers Market Legal Toolkit
This is a four-year project funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and led by CAFS in collaboration with the Northeast Organic Farming Coalition of Vermont (NOFA-VT) and the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC). The Farmers Market Toolkit offers resources on starting and governing market operations, incorporating federal benefit programs, and managing risks. The online tools can help enhance market resiliency and accessibility. The interactive online tool will feature sections on market business structure, implementing SNAP/EBT at farmers markets, risk management, and market case studies, among other helpful legal tools.
National Law School Farm Bill Research Consortium
The National Law School Farm Bill Research Consortium brings together leading food, agriculture, and environmental programs spanning six law schools and the Food Law Student Network. The mission of the Consortium is to leverage and expand the expertise of Consortium partners by learning together and conducting coordinated research on various facets of the farm bill, identifying and proposing policy changes to improve the next farm bill, and building a shared platform that creates opportunities to engage in future farm bills. In addition, the project will provide law students throughout the country, irrespective of the opportunities at their home institution, with an opportunity to engage in farm bill research through the Food Law Student Network.
Explore State Farm to School Legislation
The Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS) partners with the National Farm to School Network (NFSN) to produce this annual State Farm to School Legislative Survey. The Survey summarizes all state farm to school related bills proposed between 2002-2014, whether enacted, defeated or still pending. It also provides analysis on this legislation and guidance on developing state farm to school systems. Farm to school is the practice of sourcing local food for schools, preschools and childcare centers and providing educational opportunities in health, nutrition and agriculture through school curricula. The most recent 2014 update includes case studies on Alaska, the District of Columbia, Oregon and Texas.
Understand Food Labels
The purpose of this website is to provide consumers with information to help them navigate food labels and make informed food choices about the products they buy. Unfortunately, food labels and what they mean are not straightforward. This site explains the most common statements on food labels, including what information must be disclosed, what information is voluntary, and what is not included on food labels.
CREATING A STRoNGER FOOD SYSTEM INFOGRAPHIC
Building a sustainable food system with fair labor practices and minimal waste is an ongoing effort that faces many challenges, but the benefits of better agricultural practices can improve lives around the globe. This infographic highlights some of the most pressing concerns in modern food production and examines needed changes.
Global Fisheries in Crisis Infographic
Fish are vital to human health, economic security and culture. However, due to consumer habits and industry practices, fish stocks are currently under extreme stress and face depletion across the globe. A collaboration between Vermont Law School and the New England Aquarium, the Global Fisheries in Crisis infographic examines the various stressors on fish stocks worldwide, and provides consumers, advocates and industry members with proactive ideas on countering these growing trends.
Find Farm & Food Legal Resources
Farm and Food Legal Resources is a collection of online, existing legal resources compiled and organized by the Center for Agriculture & Food Systems (CAFS). CAFS developed this resource for individuals and organizations involved in sustainable food and agriculture. Consequently, the materials reflect an emphasis on sustainability, local and regional food systems as well as the innovations in food and agriculture occurring at the state and regional level.