Producers, vendors and supporting organizations work to strengthen local food systems
March 10, 2023
By Tanya O’Connor
In last year’s Oneota Co-op Annual Report, Fresh Manager Mercedes Martin wrote this:
“Buying local is about much more than the food in your hands. It’s about the growth of your neighbors, your community and your regional economy.”
Mercedes spoke to us about transportation, supply chains, climate change and told us that “the food systems in our country are tired” and that “education, clarity and a changed mindset regarding our current food system is crucial to maintaining a healthy food landscape in the U.S.” The importance of local, she reminds us, “has never been more apparent.”
We welcome you to review “Crops Don’t Wait For Us: The value of local has never been more apparent” from the 2021 Annual Report here: https://oneotacoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-Annual-Report_041922_FINAL_FINAL_web.pdf. Mercedes’ dedication to our local food system is contagious. We all work toward ways we can “grow the good” here at the Co-op. This is hers. The Co-op’s Fresh Manager networks producers, products, price, availability and transportation. Partner relationships are vital – especially with local producers and organizations serving them, such as Iowa Food Hub.
This framework has led to Oneota Co-op serving as a coordinator of the area’s newest local foods initiative. Hyperlocal, as it’s tentatively been termed (from the adjective hyperlocal, meaning relating to or focusing on matters concerning a small community or geographical area), is a collaborative networking and support effort consisting of producers, vendors and organizations dedicated to local agriculture. Co-op staff participating includes Mercedes, Center Store Manager Phil Jahnke Sauer and Fresh Assistant Manager Kassandra Kitching. The group’s initial networking connection was Sunday, Jan. 15; Meeting space at Seed Savers Exchange was provided by its executive director, Mike Bollinger.
Hyperlocal’s initial brainstorming session saw goals beginning to emerge, which include: opportunities for new producers to find their fit in our local foods system; collaborative communication regarding crop choices, timing and pricing; space for growth; and maximizing the amount of product that may be generated ‘hyper’ locally.
A second gathering of producers, vendors and supporting organizations took place Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Blazing Star in downtown Decorah. This event was organized by Patchwork Green Farm’s Erik Sessions. Sponsors were Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Food Hub and ReRooted Connections of rural Decorah.
Erik Sessions tells us that “in the morning, farmers gathered for discussion on topics from field management to seed saving to aggregation and distribution of local foods.” Farms represented were: Oak and Olive Flowers, Canoe Creek Produce, River Root Farm, ReRooted Connections, Patchwork Green Farm, Seed Savers Exchange, Sunset Harvest Farm, Humble Hands Harvest and Sweet Season Farm. Also attending the morning event was Iowa Food Hub’s Peter Kraus.
Erik noted that “several farms are creating a new marketing group called the Decorah Flower Hub, and they shared information about how it is being set up.” While many farmers have known each other for years, he adds that “it was nice getting to know a few newer farmers in the region.” Also welcome was conversation surrounding 2023 marketing, and which farms are, as Erik says, “ramping up” or “slowing down.”
Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) farm managers expressed interest, said Sessions, “in encouraging local gardeners to grow out a few varieties of heirloom seeds, learn how to save their own open-pollinated seed, and share them on the SEE Community Seed Network. Humble Hands Harvest and SEE both have seed saving equipment that could be shared by other producers.” Conversation also occurred regarding a potential opportunity for local vegetable growers to sell seeds to SSE for resale in its catalog.
Following a Blazing Star lunch, producers were joined for the afternoon by area food service directors, chefs, produce department leads, wellness directors and related food organizations. Participants included Oneota Co-op, La Rana, Blazing Star, Luther College Dining Services/Sodexo, Northeast Iowa Community College, Riceville Community School, Decorah Community Food Pantry, Iowa Food Hub, Teresa Wiemerslage representing Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Jack Knight representing Iowa Organic Association.
“I found the gathering extremely beneficial as a coordination effort between those who grow and those who buy our local produce,” says Mercedes. “It is incredibly valuable to have both sides understand the needs of each other – from setting standard order deadlines and deliveries, to developing product quality standards, to learning what crops buyers have the most interest in. Not only this, but it was a great opportunity to brainstorm together how to make the best local food system possible.”
Mercedes points out that “everyone being on the same page” also will facilitate product availability at the Co-op, especially during later summer/autumn. “Local season is my most difficult, yet rewarding season. By planning all together who will grow what crops – and when – grow space is maximized. Overlap that might result in a surplus we aren’t able to sell here at the Co-op is minimized. Sourcing locally ensures quality, supply and fair wages being paid to growers.”
As the months progress, the group will further explore the ideas regarding product coordination and development and the organizations who sell, give or otherwise support these efforts. Goals regarding continued public education on the significance of a strong local food network will continue to be developed.
We asked Erik Sessions to share sentiments regarding the value of this emerging organization. Here is his response:
“It’s all about communication. Farmers, retailers, distributors, pantries and institutions large or small – we’re all working so hard in our own spheres. We know the value of intentionally shaping the big picture of our local food system, but we rarely make the effort to sit down and talk with all the parties involved. We share many common values and objectives and appreciate all the food system work that has been done in the last 20 years. When we get all of our bodies in one place for a few hours, it’s great to see all the brilliant ideas, connections and positive thinking that immediately sprouts.”
Oneota Co-op Organizational Ends 2: We support building thriving local food systems and encourage the expansion of locally-grown food sources.
Ends 7: Our members are diverse and engaged, working together and sharing time, energy, and resources to build a resilient and thriving local community.
