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.

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

Food systems are complex, dynamic, and involve many interactions across sectors of the food supply and across and within community assets. 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.

• Cultivation and harvesting: Cultivating land, raising livestock, hunting, foraging, fishing, and other practices.
• Processing and transformation: Changing raw ingredients into new products. 
• Aggregation and distribution: Moving products, including gathering and delivery, to markets and buyers. 
• Purchasing and nourishment: Using food, including individual purchase, culinary activities, and programming that sustains both families and communities. 
• Conservation and stewardship: Caring for natural resources to ensure their continued use for energy, food, and water. 

Food System Assets

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

• Built infrastructure includes buildings, roadways, and power sources. 
• Culture and wellness includes health and nutrition practices for individuals and populations. 
• Dignity and Involvement includes representation in decision making. 
• Economy and finance refers to wealth, finances, and capital resources. 
• Governance and policy refers to practices, principles, and actions adopted by groups, communities, and government, 
• Knowledge and wisdom includes experiences, formal education, and historical understanding. 
• Natural environment refers to interactions of climate, living species, weather, and natural resources. 

Interested in Additional Training on Food Systems?   

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.  

Resources

These resources and more are available at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Food Systems.