Author Bio

Rachel is a Food Distribution Manger representing the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. She works statewide to bring more local food to Indiana plates, building strong and resilient food market channels through partnerships and support. Presentation: The business of regional food systems: value chains, hubs, services, and buyer interest: Regional food systems need coordination, infrastructure, human and social capital to build trust and systems that move food from local farms to local, wholesale buyers. We will present about coordinated efforts and research for food value chains, regional food systems infrastructure projects, and research on buyer motivations to choose local. We will also be presenting on the work of the newly created Indiana Food Business Consultants group, providing assistance for food and farm business model optimization and access to capital.