USDA introduces resources for local and regional food system leaders

The USDA has shared new resources to help local and regional food systems leaders prepare and respond to disruptions to their food systems.

Through the Local and Regional Food System Recovery and Resilience project, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service worked with university and community partners to document local and regional food systems’ responses to disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme climate events, according to a news release.

AMS recently completed The Resilience Playbook as part of the project, a collection of recommendations, resources and case studies compiled into a multimedia story map, the release said.

This playbook is designed to support food systems leaders a broader understanding of the distinct strengths and vulnerabilities of local and regional food systems, according to the release. Ultimately, the resource aims to build bridges of understanding between the many dimensions of local and regional food systems, the formal world of disaster planning and response, and long-term economic and community development.

The project was in fulfillment of a cooperative research agreement between AMS’ Local and Regional Foods Division, Colorado State University, the University of Kentucky and many community partners, according to the release.

More: View The Resilience Playbook