Helpful Links
Good Food Purchasing Program
GFPP Standards: This in-depth document shares a comprehensive guide on how the Center for Good Food Purchasing determines what products count toward Local Economies, Environmental Sustainability, Valued Workforce, Animal Welfare, and Nutrition.
Qualifying Certifications for GFPP: A brief overview of which third-party labels qualify products for the Good Food Standards set in Environmental Sustainability, Valued Workforce, and Animal Welfare
Good Food Cities: Learn about how cities across the country are forming Good Food Coalitions and working to transform public food purchasing toward transparency, equity, and sustainability.
Good Food Purchasing Initiative of Metro Chicago: Check out the Chicago Food Policy Action Council’s landing page for the Metro Chicago Good Food Purchasing Initiative and learn about the latest updates, related news, and events.
Cook County’s GFPP Website: Check here for progress specifically on Cook County Government’s implementation of the Good Food Purchasing Policy.
Map of Institutions Involved in the Good Food Purchasing Initiative: Click here to see a relationship web of all the local community institutions adopting GFPP, along with information about their currently contracted food vendors.
Business Planning Resources
Advocates for Urban Agriculture’s Grower Resources offers an excellent suite of resources to support urban growers with managing their farms and growing their businesses.
Advocates for Urban Agriculture’s Grown in Chicago tool supports farmers with making decisions about agricultural practices and certifications
Compeer Financial’s Emerging Markets Team provides education, events, ag financing services, and resources for small farmers in IL, MN, and WI.
Fearless Farm Finances by Jody Padgham, Craig Chase, and Paul Dietmann, published in 2017 by MOSES Organic, is the gold standard for managing your farm finances.
Fearless Farm Finances (online course): Based on the book, this free self-directed course was developed by Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services (MOSES) and includes videos, worksheets, and exercises.
Financial Risk Management for Specialty Crop Farmers was written by experienced local farmers and published by The Land Connection in 2020. In addition to covering financial planning, the book addresses skills and strategies for accessing capital; considerations for accessing land; crop insurance products; basic business management practices; and strategic planning. Also available as an online course.
Food Finance Institute at the University of Wisconsin has a mission to make sophisticated financial technical assistance available to every growing food, beverage, and value-added farm enterprise. Access their network of trained consultants, listen to the Edible Alpha podcast, attend a training or bootcamp. Primarily for experienced businesses looking to expand.
Guide to Market Channel Selection was written by Matthew LeRoux and published by Cornell Cooperative Extension in 2010. This guide reviews market channel characteristics and supports decision-making strategies for new farmers.
Iowa State University Extension Ag Decision Maker shares extensive information to help farmers make decisions. The business development marketing section covers topics such as setting prices, conducting market research, direct marketing (including sales to institutions), promotion and branding.
MarketReady Producer Training Program from University of Kentucky: MarketReady seeks to educate food suppliers about how to succeed in today's markets - in order to keep farming. The training modules include information on packaging, pricing, insurance, marketing, and more. MarketReady will help farm vendors selling dairy, fruits, vegetables, meats, value-added products, and more create a successful business strategy.
Michigan State University’s Market Channel Selection Tool from the Center for Regional Food Systems (2017). Covers considerations when choosing a market channel and walks you through a self-assessment to help you determine which types of markets would be best for you and your farm.
NCAT Marketing Tip Sheet Series by Marisa Alcorta, Rex Dufour, and Tammy Hinman; published in 2012. The resource includes 13 tip sheets describing various market channels and considerations associated with each approach to marketing.
USDA Farm Service Agency: FSA’s information and services include farm loan programs, financial management information, organic cost share program, conservation programs, outreach and education, and other initiatives. Learn more about the Illinois USDA Farm Service Agency office here or call them at (217) 241-6600 Ext: 2. The Will-Cook County Farm Service Agency might also be of assistance at (815) 485-0068 ext 2.
Veggie Compass is a free analysis tool developed by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The tool helps farmers understand their cost of production, by product and by market channel. This enables farmers to make strategic decisions to adjust prices, reduce costs, shift market channel focus, reduce or drop unprofitable products, and expand production of their most profitable ventures.
Farm to School Resources
National Farm to School Network: An information, advocacy and networking hub for communities working to bring local food sourcing and food and agriculture education into school systems and early care and education environments.
Illinois Farm to School Network: Provides training, connects partners, and shares resources about all aspects of farm to school — local food sourcing, food & nutrition education, and on-site gardening. IFSN includes information on their website specifically for farmers looking to sell to schools.
USDA Office of Community Food Systems Selling Local Food to Schools Factsheet: This factsheet reviews best practices for producers to learn about how to sell local food to schools.
Farm to School Sales: Profiles of Ranches Making It Work: This publication profiles two Montana ranches that have successfully sold their beef into area schools. It outlines some of the challenges of producing, processing, and selling to schools, as well as the featured ranches’ business models, equipment needs, and the ranchers’ perceptions of farm-to-school sales in the future.
Farm to Institution New England (FINE): features a wealth of resources for producers interested in selling to institutions, including schools, prisons, hospitals, and colleges.
Farmer Networks
Advocate for Urban Agriculture’s Listserv: Join AUA’s listserv to communicate with other urban growers and community gardeners across the Chicago metro area.
Illinois Stewardship Alliance Local Food Farmer Caucus: this resource provides information for how farmers can participate in ISA’s Local Food Farmer Caucus, where growers weigh in on ISA’s advocacy agenda, drive adoption of sustainable and diversified farming practices, speak out on the need for greater transparency in the food system, raise awareness for local supply chains, and educate decision-makers on issues that impact farmers.
Midwest Farmers of Color Collective: Based in Minnesota, the Midwest Farmers of Color Collective is a collective of BIPOC farmers centered on racial justice and the development of food and farming systems that honor their communities’ past, present and future.
Routes to Farm: Routes to Farm is a collaborative effort to make resources available to farmers who are launching or growing their farm businesses in the Chicago foodshed.
Urban Stewards Action Network : USAN is an action-based transformational network of community farmers and partner organizations in the food system. The network holds a safe space for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) coalition building and redefining power in the Chicago region.
Food Safety Resources
USDA Quality Management Systems: This guide is designed to help food and farm businesses, food hubs, and USDA GroupGAP administrators develop a basic Quality Management System to identify and meet customer requirements and to create systems for continuous improvement.
Food Safety Modernization Act: Learn more about the USDA’s standards for the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption
Produce Safety Alliance: The PSA provides fundamental, science-based, on-farm food safety knowledge to fresh fruit and vegetable farmers, packers, regulatory personnel, and others interested in the safety of fresh produce.
Farm Food Safety Plan Writing Resources: The FSMA Produce Safety Rule does not require a written farm food safety plan, but writing a plan helps growers get organized and focused on produce safety, as well as prepare for buyer requirements and third-party audits.
Good Agricultural Practices Harmonized Standard: Learn more about becoming GAP certified, a voluntary third-party food safety certification, through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services.
GroupGAP food safety program: This resource outlines how GroupGAP makes food safety certification accessible for small and middle-sized producers by allowing farmers, food hubs, and other marketing organizations to work together to undergo GAP certification as a group. This allows group members to pool resources to implement food safety training programs and share the cost of certification. Learn more about what this means for producers by checking out the GroupGAP For Growers resource page.
Path To GroupGAP Certification: Step-by-step pathways for farmers of all sizes to take advantage of GroupGAP certification.
Meals on Wheels: A nationwide program that provides older Americans with nutritious meals and safety checks at little to no cost.
Support for Good Food Farming Practices & Certifications
Animal Welfare
A Greener World: Support for livestock producers who are looking to become certified with the Animal Welfare Approved label.
Certified Humane’s Website: Learn about the Certified Humane program and how to join as a meat, poultry, egg, or dairy producer.
Food Animal Concerns Trust: For training and resources on pasture-based livestock best practices, and opportunities to connect with other livestock producers.
Global Animal Partnership: Learn about the Global Animal Partnership certification programs and find resources for beef, poultry, dairy, pork, and egg production.
Environmental Sustainability
Demeter Association: Learn about how to become a certified Biodynamic farm.
eOrganic Community of Practice (Extension): Join an online community of farmers and researchers who are exploring ways to sustain organic agricultural systems.
Marine Stewardship Council: Learn about how to become a certified fishery through teh Marine Stewardship Council’s program.
National Center for Appropriate Technology’s ATTRA: A wealth of resources for both producer growers and livestock producers on sustainable farming practices, farm to institution, and food safety.
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education: Resources on sustainable farming practices, searchable by geographic location, content area, and media format type.
USDA Organic: Find more information about becoming a USDA-certified Organic Farm along with how to access technical assistance on the process.
Valued Workforce
Agricultural Justice Project: Learn about your farm becoming Food Justice Certified and supporting fair wages and working conditions for farmworkers.
CooperationWorks!: Find a local cooperative developer who can support your efforts to become a worker cooperative.
Democracy at Work Institute: Browse many resources on becoming a worker cooperative business.
Equitable Food Initiative: Learn more about how this certification works to improve conditions for farmworkers.
High Road Restaurants: For restaurants, caterers, and/or meal program providers looking to join a community of practice around providing good jobs and working conditions.
Illinois Worker Cooperative Alliance: Learn about trainings, support and networking for aspiring and emerging worker cooperatives in Chicago and across the state.
Minority, Women, Veteran, Socially Disadvantaged Business Certification
City of Chicago Certification One-Pager: This one-pager covers who is eligible for different certifications, the potential benefits, and how to apply.
City of Chicago Certification Website: Learn more about becoming certified as a business owned by a specific classified identity that can help direct Chicago’s purchases toward your business.
City of Chicago Assist Agencies: A list of agencies that provide support to local businesses looking to become certified in Minority, Women, Veteran, or Socially Disadvantaged Business Certifications.
Cook County Certification Website: Learn more about becoming certified as a business owned by a specific classified identity that can help direct Cook County’s purchases toward your business.
Women’s Business Development Center aims to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving all diverse business owners, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy.
Minority Supplier Development Council aims to certify, develop, connect, and advocate for minority suppliers as the premier supplier development organization creating sustainable and profitable relationships between minority business enterprises and major buying organizations
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: provides business, economic development and entrepreneurial educational programs that enhance business practices and increase the success of Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Public Procurement Support
Chicago Department of Procurement Services Workshops and PowerPoints: The Chicago Department of Procurement Services offers monthly workshops in procurement, certification, transparency, and outreach.
City of Chicago Buying Plan: A forecast of what goods and services city departments and agencies will be looking for from vendors over the next year.
Cook County Procurement Processes: this resource guide provides information outlining how Cook County procures goods and services.
Cook County Buying Plan: A forecast of what goods and services county departments and agencies will be looking for from vendors over the next year.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers: These centers, located across Illinois, provide technical assistance on working with public departments and agencies, or their contracted food vendors. For Chicago-based growers and food businesses, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, North Business & Industrial Council, and Women’s Business Development Center all serve as local PTACs. Find out more information here.
Glossary of Terms
Balance Sheet
A statement of the assets, liabilities, and capital of a business or other organization at a particular point in time, detailing the balance of income and expenditure over the preceding period.
Bid
The documents submitted to apply for a contract.
Bid Package
All the documents related to soliciting a request for goods/services.
Break-even price
The amount of money, or change in value, for which an asset must be sold to cover the costs of acquiring and owning it. It also refers to the amount of money for which a product or service must be sold to cover the costs of manufacturing or providing it.
Competitive Bid
Referring to projects where the buyer has to advertise the opportunity or solicit proposals from more than one vendor. Competitive bids may be required for contracts larger than a certain dollar threshold, like over $100,000 (although it varies). This bid process is typically used to procure goods and services in the public sector.
Contractor
A person or business that agrees to conduct work for another entity as specified under the terms of a contract.
Direct markets
Otherwise known as direct-to-consumer market channels, these are sales outlets that end users/consumers access to purchase goods. In farming, these sale outlets include agritourism/pick-your-own, CSA, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and online sales. Some restaurants and grocery stores could be considered a direct market, but share many characteristics of an indirect market. Customers in these channels are often looking for or making purchasing decisions based on quality, emotion, and trust.
Economies of scope
The cost savings gained by producing two or more distinct goods.
Economies of scale
The cost savings gained from an increased level of production.
Enterprise Budget
Includes all costs and returns associated with producing a single crop or product in a particular manner. Enterprise budgets are constructed on a per unit basis, such as per acre or per head, to facilitate comparisons among alternative enterprises. An enterprise is any activity which results in a product used on the farm or sold in the market.
Farm Safety Plan
A farm safety plan identifies and minimizes hazards. Having a plan helps farmers respond to hazards appropriately, and trains everyone on the farm to stay safe. Safety training enables farmers to (1) Avoid serious and fatal accidents, (2) Use pesticides and fertilizers safely, and (3) Reduce income lost to agricultural accidents.
Food Distributor
A company that provides food and non-food products to restaurants, cafeterias, industrial caterers, hospitals, schools/colleges/universities, nursing homes, or anywhere food is served away from the home.
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) is a U.S. food safety law signed in 2011 that focuses on preventing serious adverse health consequences by establishing a proactive and risk-based approach in food safety.
Food Service Management Company (FSMC)
A company that specializes in the purchasing, preparation, and/or delivery of meals for an institutional client. Although not all institutions outsource their food services, many Metro Chicago institutions have contracts with FSMCs instead of managing meal programs themselves.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification
A voluntary USDA audit program for specialty crop producers to demonstrate their compliance with food safety requirements to purchasers and retailers.
Global Animal Partnership (G.A.P.) Steps 1, 2, 3, 4 Certification
A nonprofit which seeks to promote the welfare of farmed animals by rating the welfare standards of various farmed animal products.
Good Food Purchasing Initiative of Metro Chicago (GFPI)
The Good Food Purchasing Initiative of Metro Chicago (GFPI) works to ensure that institutional food purchasing advances an equitable, healthy, fair, local, humane, and sustainable food system while creating good food access for all. GFPI partners are working to:
Fully implement the Good Food Purchasing Policy with the City of Chicago, its Sister Agencies, and Cook County Government
Develop a racially & socially equitable regional food supply chain to meet increasing institutional demand for good food; supporting pathways for BIPOC food producers and food businesses to scale operations for sales to public and community-based meal programs, cafeterias, and concessions.
Normalize values-based procurement across all community-based “anchor” institutions in the Chicago region, including hospitals, higher ed institutions, cultural institutions, senior living facilities, and others.
Good Food Purchasing Policy (GFPP)
With a focus on equity and transparency, GFPP shifts institutions’ food purchasing dollars toward five core values: local economies, valued workforce, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and nutrition. In partnership with the Center for Good Food Purchasing, the City of Chicago and Cook County’s departments & agencies have adopted GFPP and are in the beginning stages of implementing the Good Food Purchasing Program.
Income Statement
An income statement is a financial statement that shows a company's income and expenditures. It also shows whether a company is making profit or loss for a given period.
Indirect markets
Indirect market channels/wholesale channels are sales outlets intermediaries use to purchase goods. In farming these sales outlets include marketing coops, brokers/distributors, packing houses, wholesale buyers, and processors. Generally these are traditional supply channels for commercial buyers and regional/national sellers not local buyers and sellers. Restaurants and grocery stores share important characteristics with wholesale channels (especially if they are larger businesses). Buyers in these channels tend to make purchasing decisions primarily based on quality, price, and on quantity, accurate invoicing, delivery, storage capability, packaging, and if you have a Farm Safety Plan, 3rd-Party Verification/Audit, and insurance.
Invitation for a Bid (IFB)
Buyers who know what they want will issue an Invitation for a Bid, typically a distributor will respond to the IFB and producers/food business owners may have an opportunity to subcontract via the distributor. The distributor may be awarded more points for contracting a Producer or food business owner with a certified minority/women/ veteran owned business.
Market channel
Or distribution channel is the way goods are transferred from the supplier, manufacturer, or grower to the end user or consumer. It is made up of people, organizations, and activities who facilitate the flow of goods.
Prime
The primary contractor that wins a contract who may hire other companies as subcontractors.
Produce Safety Rule
The Produce Safety rule establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption.
Request for a Proposal (RFP)
A RFP is similar to responding to essay questions about how you will provide a solution. There are several factors to be considered in the decision making process, and the buyer wants to hear the bidder’s perspective. The RFP is being evaluated on more than just the price. AN RFP would be issued for a food service contract that requires more than just a price quote. Administrators are including evaluation criteria in RFPs that assess how well the vendor can achieve Good Food Purchasing goals
Request for Qualifications
A potential buyer wants to review a “Capability Statement” or a “Statement of Qualification” that summarizes a vendor in one or two pages.
Request for a Quote
A RFQ is usually issued before an RFP to estimate the costs for commodity type of purchases where pricing is relatively standard.Buyers are looking for the best value for the best price.
Subcontractor
Subcontractors don’t work directly with government agencies, but instead work for the primes who have won government contracts. Subcontractors are often small/diverse certified firms
Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Spend and Goals
Public and private sector entities may publicly state that they want to spend __% of their budget with diverse suppliers. They set annual goals and then monitor utilization of diverse businesses on their projects.
Third-party verification/audit
A third party audit is performed by an independent party who visits the farm production area and evaluates the field and/or facility for its ability to produce safe, quality foods.
Working Capital
Current assets (cash, anything that will convert to cash or be used up in the business within the next year) minus current liabilities (anything due now or that will come due within the year) equals working capital.