What We Do
“Food Systems are complex networks that include all the inputs and outputs associated with agricultural and food production and consumption. Food systems can vary substantially from place to place and over time, depending on location specific conditions.”
-United States Department of Agriculture
The Food Systems Coordinator supports small, diverse farms and value-added food businesses in Indiana. We are also involved in local food in terms of food safety, economics, and education.
Contact Us
Sarah Hanson
Food Systems Coordinator
sspeedy@purdue.edu
615 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-494-8483
Producer
Producer
Farmers/producers can learn more about community organizations and resources.
View ResourcesFood Safety
Food Safety
Consumer
Consumer
Learn more about organizations and resources to help consumers navigate our food systems.
View ResourcesFood Business and Entrepreneurship
Food Business and Entrepreneurship
Learn more about resources related to Food Business and Entrepreneurship
View ResourcesFeatured Stories
Purdue Extension Community Development is the Indiana lead for the Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC).
There are 56,800 farming operations in Indiana, and 97% of Indiana’s farms are family-owned. Of Indiana’s roughly 23.3 million acres, 84% are farms, forests and woodland. Corn ($3.16 billion) and soybeans ($2.84 billion) account for the largest value of sales for Indiana’s commodities. In conjunction with the eight Purdue Agricultural Centers (PACs) across Indiana, Extension provided 13 field days between May and October to address field crops, horticulture, livestock, and natural resources. Activities included presentations, demonstrations, and field tours.
Throughout life there are many different situations that an individual can experience while at home, on the farm, at work, or when relaxing with family. These situations can be wonderful experiences or they could be a disaster such as a flood, tornado, fire, or accident. To assist rural families in planning for various disasters, Purdue Extension and the University of Nebraska hosted an Emergency Preparedness for Rural Families program series in March. This series started with the development of an emergency action plan.
Lake County Master Gardeners host the 23rd Annual Plant Sale
The recently launched Purdue Plant Doctor website at purdueplantdoctor.com navigates like a smartphone app and can help growers identify and manage insect pests and diseases of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Purdue University Extension Community Development is leading a series of workshops through the Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) in Indiana.