FRAMING THE FUTURE OF FOOD

Making global impact through local connections.

Food systems are defined as the connections between natural resources, the agricultural and food industry, and the buyers, consumers and communities to which they contribute. Research, extension and education identifies and informs opportunities to bridge how the production, supply chains, and eaters respond to changing markets, policy, and environment. At CSU, we focus on these three key areas to train, influence, and communicate opportunities to connect food related roles in achieving healthy communities, economies, and individuals.

Community-driven research impacts

The Food Systems Research team focuses on understanding processing of community development, especially in rural regions, with an emphasis on evaluating and identifying strategies that supportive improved social, environmental, and economic outcomes using cutting-edge inter-disciplinary quantitative and qualitative methods.

EDUCATIONAL IMPACTS

Colorado State University Extension and Outreach Food System programs engage Colorado communities through county-based agents, regional specialists, and Extension faculty. We support community-based organizations, connect stakeholders to state and federal resources, and assist in developing local and regional supply chains. In addition, we train the next generation of agricultural and food systems professionals through graduate degree programs, beginning farmer/rancher and food entrepreneur programs, grant writing workshops, and food safety training.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for our upcoming events and see how we’re making an impact in your community!

23 January - 28 August

Food Safety Training for Cottage Food Producers

View Detail

13 June

Canning Class – Grand Junction

View Detail

16 June

Workshop: Automated Weeder Demo

View Detail

20 June

Webinar: The National Meat Summits Steering Committee: Introduction and Opportunities to Collaborate

View Detail

21 June

San Luis Valley Entrepreneurship Summit

View Detail

21 June

Webinar: Data to Support Local/Region/State Food Systems

View Detail

No event found!

Programs and Initiatives

Colorado Blueprint

The Blueprint Documents Key Assets, Emerging Issues, And Shared Priorities For Future Investments In Food And Agriculture Around The State

Elevating Colorado Brewing Through Engagement And Research

Urban-Rural Linkages

OUR RESEARCH QUESTION: What types of urban food policies, programs, and initiatives support farmers, ranchers, regional commmunities and economies?

Farm to School

Research to help increase profitability, better food choices, and guide policy making decisions in rural communities.

Market Channel Assessments

Graduate Programs

Colorado State University has several existing graduate programs that are disciplinary focused, but offer opportunities to explore food systems topics in an inter-disciplinary context

Meat Supply Chains

Strengthening relationships between ranchers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers in Colorado.

Colorado Building Farmers

Builds farmer capacity and community through classroom and experiential learning for beginning farmers and ranchers.

Agritourism

An Integrated Look at Agritourism in the Western US

Grants

Focuses on effective grant-writing, including enhanced understanding of grant availability.

General Food Safety Training

Resources and training to manage risk along the fresh produce supply chain

Cottage Food Safety Training

Supporting value-added food producers in making safe products for sale throughout Colorado

Hemp Supply Chains

Ogallala Water

Optimizing Water Use to Sustain Food Systems

ONE HEALTH INSTITUTE

To benefit the health of animals, peoples, and environments by collaborating across boundaries in a way that sees and integrates the whole system

Agricultural Labor

Research, outreach and engagement to understand Colorado agricultural labor and find solutions.

Grow & Give was created to address food insecurity in Colorado by connecting backyard and community gardens to food donation sites across the state. We are here to provide resources to help you both ‘Grow’ and ‘Give’ part of your garden’s bounty to those in need.

ECONOMICS OF FOOD SECURITY

Research to help understand determinants of food insecurity and effectiveness of policies and incentives

Beginning Farmer Research

STAY CONNECTED

Our monthly newsletter posts regular opportunities you can take advantage of. Please join our subscriber list to stay up to date on opportunities in your area!