Local, Regional, and Safe Food Systems

The farm-to-table movement continues to grow in Arkansas. More towns are opening farmers markets, planting community gardens, and offering fresh, locally grown food in schools. Across the state, farms are producing a broad range of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and livestock. Interest in agritourism, small-batch food production, and local food sales is expanding. At the same time, food business entrepreneurs are finding new ways to bring their recipes to market.

How We Support Local Food Efforts

We work to strengthen Arkansas’s local food system by offering hands-on programs, useful tools, and learning opportunities. Our efforts are grounded in research and built to connect individuals and groups to timely information and practical support.

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)

Our support for fresh produce growers centers around Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) — a set of guidelines that help reduce the risk of food contamination during growing, harvesting, and handling.

We offer:

This program helps growers stay informed and confident in applying safe methods on their farms, while also meeting market and regulatory expectations.

Value-Added Food Business Support

We assist food business owners and home-based producers as they turn their ideas into market-ready products. Whether working from a home kitchen or a licensed commercial facility, we provide:

• Help with recipe development and testing

• Support with labeling and packaging guidelines

• Information on local and state food production rules

• Assistance with permits and required documentation

• Access to certified kitchens for safe and approved food preparation

Commercial Kitchen Facilities

Food producers can access licensed kitchen spaces across the state supported by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, including:

• Arkansas Food Innovation Center (AFIC), Fayetteville – afic.uada.edu

• AFIC at the Market Center of the Ozarks, Sprindale – aficmco.uada.edu

• Share Grounds, Rison - http://uaex.uada.edu/sharegrounds 

Food Systems Outreach and Technical Assistance

We actively engage with communities to improve the local food system, offering support that aligns with the needs of both rural and urban producers. Our outreach and technical assistance programs focus on:

• Building connections between local food producers, consumers, and markets

• Offering resources to improve food production, distribution, and processing

• Providing strategic support for new food business development

• Helping to establish and maintain effective food systems in Arkansas through workshops, consultations, and collaborations with local organizations

Our goal is to help strengthen the local food system by connecting people with the tools and networks they need to succeed.

Farm Market Support

For farmers and food entrepreneurs looking to reach local consumers, we offer resources to help establish and grow successful farm markets. Our support includes: 

• Assistance with market feasibility and local supply chain support

• Information on regulations and permits required for market products

Upcoming Events

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Trainings

Local Foods Resources

Home Preservation

The National Center for Home Food Preservation is your source for current research-based recommendations for most methods of home food preservation. The Center was established with funding from the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (CSREES-USDA) to address food safety concerns for those who practice and teach home food preservation and processing methods. Click below to visit their website.

National Center for Home Food Preservation

Webinars, Virtual Learning, and Online Discussions

Browse our collection of videos to learn more about creating a food business and about local foods challenges and opportunities in Arkansas.

View Food Business Webinars