Unlocking New Hampshire's Local Food Potential: A Strategic Plan for a Thriving, Fair, and Sustainable Food System

New Hampshire's food and beverage industry is a significant contributor to the state's economy, with residents spending over $13 billion on these products in 2022. However, a recent analysis by the New England Food System Planners Partnership reveals that only 3.2 percent of this spending went to regional sources. In response, a strategic food and agriculture plan is currently under development, led by the New Hampshire Food Alliance and its partners, to address this disparity and foster a more robust local food system.

Empowering New Hampshire's Food Future: A Comprehensive Approach

Aligning Stakeholders for Collective Impact

The strategic plan being developed aims to bring together a diverse array of partners, including the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, to align their efforts in securing funding, shaping legislation, investing in infrastructure, and developing programs that support a thriving, fair, and sustainable local food system in New Hampshire. By coordinating these efforts, the plan seeks to leverage the collective resources and expertise of these stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

Informing and Engaging the Public

The plan will consist of 27 informational briefs covering a wide range of topics, from different food sectors to grocery stores, restaurants, soil and water management, labor and workforce, and more. These briefs will be released individually from September to December, allowing the public to engage with the content and provide feedback during a 30-day comment period. This approach aims to foster transparency, encourage public participation, and ensure that the plan reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of New Hampshire's food system stakeholders.

Aligning with Regional Goals

The impetus for this strategic plan stems from the New Hampshire Food Alliance's involvement in the New England Food System Planners Partnership. This regional initiative has set a goal for New Englanders to consume 30 percent regional food products by 2030. By aligning its efforts with this broader regional objective, the New Hampshire plan can leverage synergies and contribute to the collective progress towards a more resilient and sustainable food system across the Northeast.

Addressing Systemic Challenges

The comprehensive nature of the strategic plan allows it to tackle a wide range of systemic challenges facing New Hampshire's food system. From infrastructure investments to workforce development, the plan aims to address the multifaceted barriers that have historically hindered the growth of the local food economy. By taking a holistic approach, the plan can identify and address the root causes of these challenges, paving the way for more sustainable and equitable solutions.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In addition to addressing systemic challenges, the strategic plan also seeks to cultivate innovation and entrepreneurship within New Hampshire's food and agriculture sectors. By identifying opportunities for new product development, market expansion, and technological advancements, the plan can help local producers, processors, and distributors capitalize on emerging trends and stay competitive in an evolving marketplace. This focus on innovation can drive economic growth and create new pathways for small and medium-sized businesses to thrive.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a key pillar of the strategic plan, with a focus on promoting environmentally-friendly practices throughout the food system. This includes addressing soil and water management, reducing waste, and exploring renewable energy solutions. By prioritizing sustainability, the plan aims to ensure that New Hampshire's local food system can meet the needs of present and future generations, while also mitigating the environmental impact of food production and distribution.

Enhancing Food Security and Equity

The strategic plan also recognizes the importance of addressing food security and equity within New Hampshire's communities. By identifying and addressing barriers to accessing affordable, nutritious, and culturally-appropriate food, the plan can help ensure that all residents have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from a thriving local food system. This focus on equity can also help to address historical disparities and create more inclusive pathways for underserved populations to engage in the food economy.

Strengthening Local Connections

At the heart of the strategic plan is a focus on strengthening the connections between local producers, processors, distributors, and consumers. By fostering these relationships and enhancing the visibility of local food options, the plan can help to build consumer awareness and demand, while also supporting the growth and success of New Hampshire's food and agriculture businesses. This emphasis on local connections can help to create a more resilient and self-reliant food system that benefits both producers and consumers.