Online training modules and professional development: A national certification program for local food leaders [M2017-11]

Project Description: 

This grant project will develop an Iowa Local Food Leader certification program that will assist new and existing local food practitioners in the development of core competencies needed for food systems development in Iowa. The certification program will include both online modules and an in-person training component developed in partnership with the findings from the North American Food Systems Network, in hopes that it will become a transferable program to surrounding states.

Project ID: 
M2017-11
Years of Grant Project: 
2
Total Grant Amount: 
$58,297
Project Start: 
2017
Lead Investigator: 
Gary Taylor
Lead Investigator Bio: 

Gary Taylor is an associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Community & Regional Planning at Iowa State University, with an affiliate appointment to ISU’s Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture. He is currently serving as Interim Director of the Community and Economic Development unit of ISU Extension and Outreach. He publishes, conducts workshops and provides technical assistance to citizens and government officials in Iowa in a variety of subject areas, including land use and local government law, land use planning, and intergovernmental relations. Prior to joining ISU, Taylor was an extension specialist with Michigan State University and an attorney and planning consultant with firms in Oregon and Washington. Taylor is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He holds a law degree from the University of Nebraska and a Masters in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University.

Co Investigators: 

Courtney Long and Lynn Huess, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Local Foods team