Task Force Leader, Local Food Sales: Tricia Phelps, Operations Director, Taste the Local Difference®, tricia@localdifference.org

The goal of this task force is to increase sales of local food throughout the northwest Michigan region. This is accomplished through analysis of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census and by taking the pulse of farmers themselves and the people or businesses purchasing their goods. The outcome provides important data on the local market, to both inform decisions and assist farmers in identifying new business opportunities.