NMPAN is a network and info hub for people and organizations who want small meat processors to thrive. We offer tools and information for small processors and the farmers, marketers and meat buyers who depend on them.
Local Foods
Community Food System Resources
Food System Resources
- Community Food System Development Change Framework, by Amanda Philyaw Perez, DrPH, MPH, University of Arkansas Extension
This tool helps communities have a menu of options for community food system change and a process for determining what types of change fit best in their the community.
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Arkansas Local Food System Meetup Report 2017
This report summarizes the information gathered during five regional meetings with local food system stakeholders in Arkansas to better understand the scope of the local food system and the needs for supporting local food value-chain development.
Food System Projects
Share Grounds: Shared Kitchen Incubator
The Share Grounds: Kitchen Incubator and Aggregation Center Development project offers an innovative approach to utilize existing facilities and infrastructure at the County Fairgrounds. This project will establish three kitchen incubator and aggregation centers at the Searcy (Marshall), Cleveland (Rison), and Three County (McCrory) fairgrounds.
Want to learn more about Share Grounds?
Would you be interested in using the Share Grounds facilities or just want to learn more about the project? Visit our page or contact the Share Grounds Project Manager, to learn more.
Arkansas Farm to School
The 2017 Arkansas Local Food Act is a “farm to institution” policy, which aims to increase utilization of locally grown and processed food products in institution-based food service programs across the State of Arkansas. Read the 2019 progress report outlined by the Arkansas Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Director.
Local Foods Resources
Tools for Building a Sustainable Community Food System
Growing a Healthy Economy with Local Foods, by Becky L. Bowen, JD, North Carolina Extension
Community Food Systems Toolkit, University of Wisconsin Extension
Local Food Systems, Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Urban Agriculture, by C. E. Dobbins, C. K. Cox, L. D. Edgar, D. L. Graham & A. G. Philyaw Perez.
This study aimed to determine a local definition of urban agriculture for Arkansas and investigated the context of urban agriculture in the state.
Local Food Product Development
Commercial Products:
Visit the Arkansas Food Innovation Center website to learn more about food product development at: http://afic.uark.edu/
Shared-Use Kitchen Planning Toolkit
A guide to starting shared‐use kitchens as an affordable venue for new and existing value‐added food production entrepreneurs, farmers and caterers.
Home Made Products:
Resources for home made product development allowed through the Arkansas Cottage Food Law.
Arkansas Cottage Food Law Fact Sheet
Federal Cottage Food Law Definitions
Local Meat
Farm to Freezer: Direct Marketing Arkansas Beef
This webinar, hosted by the Animal Science unit of the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture covers the basics of raising and processing beef for consumers looking to buy locally produced foods.
Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network
Beekeeping in Arkansas
Keeping honey bees is an increasingly popular activity for both leisure and profit. Check out www.uaex.uada.edu/bees to learn more about practices and upcoming events.