Complete our Scheduling Poll for Fall Design and Connection Sessions!
Coordinated by the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, the Statewide & Regional Food Systems Plan Community of Practice brings together leaders from across the U.S. around current and emerging food system plan efforts to share knowledge and strengthen local and regional food systems using an equity approach.
A series of meetings will be held in 2025 to begin the process of forming the NCoP with national representation to identify priorities through a participatory design process.
Help us get dates on the books for Fall 2025 Design and Connection Sessions!
NCOP Two Pager.pdfHosted by the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, this webinar introduced recent developments around the establishment of a Statewide and Regional Food System Plans National Community of Practice—a national, multi-state network that brings together leaders from ongoing and emerging food system planning initiatives across the U.S.
Thus far, participant feedback paints a clear picture of the need for collaborative, inclusive, and well-supported food system planning. The establishment of an NCoP would significantly empower stakeholders to share knowledge, advocate for policy change, and develop effective plans that address both local and national needs. Embracing participatory-design principles as we establish the NCoP framework will be vital for ensuring that diverse voices are heard and integrated into a robust practitioner network.
Broadly, participants want a national community of practice to:
Foster shared learning, collaboration,trust-building among groups and individuals working on these efforts.
Center equity and inclusion in practice and help to advance these approaches within and among statewide/regional plans.
Explore funding & long-term investment in food systems transformation that supports the development of local, regional, statewide, and national efforts.
Bridge local and national policy advocacy efforts.
Explore shared data infrastructure, metrics, and storytelling approaches.
In addition to how they want our community of practice to function, participants also indicated several key aspirations for the future of food systems. These aspirations, and the many interrelated priorities recent research has surfaced, can serve as guides to unify our efforts across the country.
The desired outcomes for food systems include:
Improved access to healthy and local food for all: Participants envision food systems that prioritize local production, fair wages, and distribution systems that reach marginalized communities.
Sustainable and resilient agricultural practices: Support for regenerative and organic farming, crop diversification, and reduced reliance on long-distance transportation were highlighted as crucial elements of sustainable food systems.
Increased community engagement and empowerment: Participants see food system planning as an opportunity to foster community involvement, education, and local control over food production.
