Research & Development
As a nonprofit organization working in the local food system, research and development is a big part of how we determine how we can best serve our community. As such, grant funding is an important aspect of our operations. We use these opportunities to explore topics relevant to our development and the improvement of the local food system
NH Food Alliance is now leading an NH Food Hub Network that the Kearsarge Food Hub is honored to be a part, watching some seedlings watered in previous grant projects take on new life and action throughout the state.
In December of 2019, we completed our in-depth and collaborative research into the Needs and Opportunities for Collaboration within New Hampshire’s Local Food Distribution Network. We are proud of this work and hope that it lays the ground work for more efficient and collective food production and distribution in our area, statewide, and region wide.
Check out the report >>>
* Our research was made into a beautiful work of art thanks to graphic designing by Alicia Bergeron.
2018-2019 Local Food promotion program
Kearsarge Area Value Chain Assessment and Action Plan for a Resilient Local Food Distribution Enterprise.
The Kearsarge area finds itself with an imbalanced supply and demand of local foods. On one hand there is strong institutional demand, and on the other is an uncoordinated supply which lacks the resources to overcome the obstacles it faces. This project proposes to help connect institutional markets and small-scale local producers within a 30-mile radius of Bradford, NH by assessing existing infrastructure, current institutional activities and producer capacities, and potential opportunities for expansion by planning for a wholesale local food transportation enterprise. One of the goals of this project’s strategy of intensive and in-person engagement of key players of the NH food shed is to lay a foundation for a platform of discourse and collaboration, which are pivotal elements of a resilient local food system.
The expected outcomes of the project are threefold:
(1) Area Value Chain (Needs and Opportunities) Assessment
(2) Collaborative Statewide Focus Group and Resulting Action Plan
(3) Business Plan for Wholesale Distribution Enterprise
2016 Rural Business Development Grant
Bradford Area Food and Agriculture Business Training Program
A Merrimack County Conservation district implemented with the help of the KFH team.
Team members of this project assembled resources to help bring workshops to the Bradford area, and Bradford area folks to important workshops:
NHACD Soil health Conference
Hosted by MCCD Association
Direct Marketing Conference - New Product Marketing Workshop
Hosted by UNH Cooperative Extension
Post Workshop Processing Session (PWPS)
Discussion of Particulars: get to know each other, share specific product ideas, how to apply to our local system
Craft a take-home message and set goals for the workshop series and the future of the local food system.
Complying with food, FSMA, and labeling requirements Workshop
Hosted by UNH Cooperative Extension
NOFA NH Winter Conference
Labor Management Series Part I: Labor Law
Collaboration with UNH Cooperative Extension
Field trip; Researching structures by exploring existing models
Food Connect, Brattleboro NH: Farm to school model
Vermont Food Venture Center, Hardwick VT: Value-added production and processing
Labor Management Series Part II: Leadership & Communication
Collaboration with UNH Cooperative Extension
Farm Financial Management Workshop: Part 1
Collaboration with UNH Cooperative Extension
Food Safety Workshop
Hosted by KFH
Facilitated by Connor Gorham of Vermont Food Venture Center
Panel discussion with three food safety experts: (1) Royann Bossidy of DHHS (2) Owen Davis of DHHS (3) Vicky Smith, formerly with the department of agriculture, now a “sustainable and organic agriculture specialist”.
Cooperative Models Workshop
Hosted by KFH
Facilitated by Lynda Brushett of the Cooperative Development Institute
Will Bonsall Ramial Chip Workshop