COMPLETE the OHIO PRODUCER ASSESSMENT
Help Strengthen Farm to ECE in Ohio – Share Your Insights
Ohio State University Extension is studying how to better connect local farmers and producers with early care and education (ECE) sites across the state. Your experience in local food systems makes your input especially valuable.
About the Survey
This 15-minute online survey asks about your current sales methods, communication practices, and interest in working with ECE sites. All Ohio-based farmers and producers are eligible. Your responses are confidential and will help shape future Farm to ECE efforts and resources.
Complete the survey by September 21, 2025, to enter a drawing for one of 100 $25 Amazon gift cards. Participation is voluntary, and you may skip any question or stop at any time.
Take the Survey
SURVEY LINK
By completing the survey, you consent to participate. CONSENT FORM LINK
Feel free to share this invitation with other Ohio producers.
Questions?
Contact LaVanya Watkins at Watkins.1008@osu.edu.
For questions about your rights as a participant, contact the Office of Responsible Research Practices at 1-800-678-6251.
MARKETS AND NETWORKS
A national directory that helps consumers find local farms, farmers markets, and CSAs, supporting direct-to-consumer food systems.
A digital platform connecting Ohio’s food producers with buyers, wholesalers, and consumers to enhance local food marketing and distribution.
OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
Supports sustainable agriculture through education, advocacy, and organic certification for Ohio’s ecological farmers.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation advocates for Ohio farmers, providing resources, policy support, and community-building to strengthen agriculture across the state.
A nonprofit that supports farmers market managers and vendors through education, advocacy, and resources to build resilient, direct-to-consumer marketplaces
A marketing initiative by the Ohio Department of Agriculture that promotes food and agricultural products grown or made in Ohio, helping consumers buy local.
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)
A federal agency offering programs, funding, and technical support for farmers, including conservation, food safety, and rural development.
TRAININGS
Bringing the Farm to School Training
A USDA-supported program that prepares producers to sell to schools by covering food safety, marketing, and procurement processes.
Bringing the Farm to School: A Video Series for Agricultural Producers
A visual training resource that guides producers through the steps of engaging with school food programs and understanding institutional markets.
HOW TO SELL TO ECE SITES
Ohio’s Guide to Selling Foods to Early Care Education Providers
A practical guide for farmers and producers on how to navigate food sales to child care centers, including licensing and food safety
CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
A peer-reviewed certification for small-scale farmers using natural methods, offering an alternative to USDA Organic.
Promotes ethical sourcing and fair labor practices in food and craft production, supporting both local and global producers.
Overseen by OEFFA in Ohio, this program certifies farms and processors that meet USDA organic standards.
Produce Safety Training Programs
Educational programs that help producers comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and implement best practices for produce safety.
