Food Systems

What is a Food System?

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Food systems are complex, dynamic and involve numerous interactive sectors across the food supply as well as interactions across and within community assets (See Image 1).

Based on the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Food System team research, the food systems is described as the following:

The food system is comprised of five different sectors ranging from cultivation and harvesting to conservation and stewardship, typically viewed as a cycle or process (interior ring of Image 1 and shared in the initial set of descriptions and icons). Similarly, food systems are embedded in our communities and both impact, and are impacted by, community assets such as our economic structures, natural and built environment, and equitable resource and decision-making abilities (exterior ring of Image 1 and shared in the second set of descriptions and icons). Overall, these complex systems influence the potential benefits and challenges for food access, sovereignty, business viability and general food supply and consumption.

This definition of a food system is informed from literature review and participatory research with indigenous food systems, partner communities and organizations, cohorts from the Local Food Leader and Community Food Systems certifications, and the 2023 Resilient Community Food Systems: Intersectional analysis across impacts, values, and organizational capacity dissertation from Dr. Courtney Long. Because of the nested aspect of our food systems, despite what scale we may be working in, we recognize that food systems work within larger complex community systems.

Food System Sectors

We recognize five food system sectors ranging from cultivation and harvesting to conservation and stewardship.

Food System Assets

We recognize seven food system assets ranging from built infrastructure to natural environment.

Interested in Additional Training on Food Systems?

Food Systems Practitioner and Educational Resource Database

The Food Systems Practitioner and Educational Resource Database was a project funded in partnership with USDA Rural Development and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, as well as many other partners. AgMRC currently hosts the site. As a practitioner, you can both share your programming as well as connect with others. Check out the website and create your profile today.

Certifications

Between 2017-2020, AgMRC funded the creation and pilot of the Local Food Leader and Community Food Systems Certifications, developed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The certifications continue to evolve and are offered nation-wide in in-person and virtual formats. To learn more, check out the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Food Systems Certification page.