Food System Economic Partnership

THE HISTORY
In the fall of 2004 MSU Extension convened a small group of service providers in Southeast Michigan. They saw an opportunity to strengthen urban and rural communities through a regional approach to food system development. Over the winter months this group convened a broad cross-section of leaders in the region to begin discussing how a regional partnership might address chronic socio-economic issues facing urban and rural communities.

CREATING FERTILE GROUND  
A conference of community leaders was then hosted last March at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. Participants at the 2005 Agricultural Economic Development Conference laid out a vision for developing our regional food system in ways that enhance the viability of Southeast Michigan’s urban and rural communities. Participants included local food processors, distributors, procurers, chefs and retailers, government officials, food system experts and resource providers, and concerned citizens from across Southeast Michigan.

THE LAUNCH OF A NEW REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
The diverse challenges and opportunities generated by conference attendees provided impetus for the development of a new partnership and initiative in our region. Naming itself the Food System Economic Partnership (or FSEP, for short), this newly formed collaboration crosses geographic, political and economic boundaries in the region. Our intent in this initiative is to explore new possibilities and create opportunities that address chronic agricultural economic development issues like the need for job creation, increasing the profitability of farms, and increasing access of people to healthy and high quality foods. We intend to do this by developing strategies that combine rural and urban assets to serve farm and non-farm community interests.

A list of current FSEP leadership team members can be found at the end of this report. Members of FSEP were invited to participate based on their capacity and commitment to speak for diverse stakeholders across the region, engage the interest and participation of peer networks, and contribute the diverse resources needed to achieve project goals. The mission agreed upon by this diverse FSEP leadership group is, as shown in the sidebar, “to create local food system development opportunities and enhance community viability.” Since its formation a few months ago, the FSEP leadership team has begun to chart out goals and the activities needed to achieve this mission.

SERVING THOSE WITH A “STAKE”
FSEP research partners have already begun studying the regional food system. They have created the beginnings of an inventory and catalog of participants in the regional food system that will serve as a tool for farmers, entrepreneurs, and political decision makers seeking to develop markets for local farm products and to encourage start-up of profitable local food businesses. The research is being conducted jointly between the University of Michigan EDA Center for Economic Diversification and the Michigan State University Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

It is a priority that FSEP research and projects be “stakeholder-driven.” In other words, the leadership team’s interests shall not necessarily determine what projects are pursued; instead, the needs of those with vested interests—local farmers, food businesses, citizens—will guide our projects. So, let your voice be heard and help us achieve the mission!

BRANDING AND COMMUNICATING THE PROJECT
In addition to a name and mission, FSEP has developed a logo for itself (shown to left on first page) and is currently developing a website to provide background information on the initiative and updates on activities and project outputs. Stay tuned for an announcement when the site goes live in the next month or so!

DEVELOPING STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
FSEP is currently developing a strategic plan that outlines short-and long-term goals, activities and desired outcomes of the initiative. We are working to build upon the common ground and interests within the region, and increase the success and viability of both rural and urban communities. FSEP will be seeking funding partners in the near future to launch its projects—so, suggested funding sources and contacts are very welcome from any and all!

WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN
As mentioned in the March 2005 conference summary, many of the leaders and resources needed to improve our food system and create new businesses can be found in our local communities. We have made some important steps so far, but we have many more steps to take if we are to achieve the sort of regional food system we envisioned at this year’s conference. By next year’s conference we hope to look back and see significant advancement towards our goal of making a positive impact.

I hope that you will stay connected and involved in this, our new Food System Economic Partnership. The FSEP leadership team hopes you agree that it has the potential to address our need in this region for strong farms, healthy people, and community wealth and job creation.

Yours Sincerely,

Michael DiRamio, project manager

Food System Economic Partnership, Leadership Team (initial membership)