The Center for Small Farms and Community Food Systems is an outgrowth of the OSU Extension Small Farms Program. It expands the program’s work with small farm production and marketing to encourage collaboration that supports the growth of sustainable agriculture and local food systems in Oregon.

Lauren Gwin, the center’s associate director, brings expertise as an OSU food systems specialist focusing on supply-chain logistics and regulatory issues. She also coordinates the national Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network. Gwin points out that the center is leading OSU’s engagement with small-scale, sustainable farming and local food economies. This work reflects a national trend to build more collaborative, locally based food economies. A 2010 study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service showed that direct-to-consumer marketing amounted to $1.2 billion in sales in 2007 nationwide, and it is growing.

http://oregonprogress.oregonstate.edu/summer-2014/small-farms-and-community-food-systems