Tools and Resources

In addition to programs that support local and regional food systems, USDA also offers a wide range of tools that can help farmers, ranchers, other businesses, communities, and individuals looking to build or take advantage of local and regional food systems.

The list below is a sample of some of our favorites. If you have one that we missed, let us know.

Ask the USDA Expert Online - find answers to your questions

USDA Service Center Locator - find your local office for Farm Service, Natural Resources Conservation, and Rural Development agencies

Statistics and Mapping Tools:

• Census of Agriculture - Agricultural statistics for the nation, every state, and every county
• Farmer Market Locater - A searchable database of farmers markets
• Food Desert Locator -Maps income level and access to grocery stores for your neighborhood
• Food Environment Atlas - A mapping tool with 168 indicators of food, health and community

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center   - The National Agricultural Library's local food experts

AMS Publications and Presentations - Information on farmers markets and local food marketing

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) - Information for farmers and other rural users on a variety of sustainable agricultural practices

ERS Local Foods Corner - Reports and other tools from the Economic Research Service, including:

• Local Food Systems: Concepts, Impacts and Issues
• Comparing the Structure, Size, and Performance of Local and Mainstream Food Supply Chains

Farm to School - Want to source locally in your child's cafeteria? Information for schools, farmers, and communities

Food Hubs - A catalogue of USDA's findings, resources, and support for food hubs

National Agroforestry Center - Combining agriculture and forestry

Nutrition information:

• ChooseMyPlate - Healthy food choices that make sense for you
• Growing a Healthier You - Nutrition information "from the farm to your table"

SARE Learning Center - Practical publications for farmers and ag professionals

• Local Harvest - A Multi-farm CSA Handbook
• How to Direct Market Your Beef - Handbook
• Building a Sustainable Business: A Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses - Handbook

Small Plant Help Desk - For small and very small meat processing plants

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Farmers Markets: A How-To Handbook - A guide for accepting SNAP benefits at farmers markets