My journey into the world of socially generative networks has started with a deep dive into the food system through the work of Farm to Institution New England gathering all players in the food system, as well as a variety of related networks (e.g., Vermont Farm to Plate, Food Solutions new England) at the 2019 Amherst FINE Summit.
The kick off was a Tuesday field trip to Western Mass Processing Center in Greenfield, MA (part of the Franklin County CDC). This is a kitchen incubator that has opened in 2001. It operates as a shared-use kitchen and processing facility for start-up businesses in the food sector. Since its beginnings 450 businesses (not only food related since some just rent office space) have graduated, of which 65 last year. Among these: Art Bev, which sells Katalyst Kombucha among others, and still operates in the premises; Real Pickles, which won two 2019 Good Food awards, and a very successful photovoltaic solar company, PV Squared. Equal Exchange has an office on the premises in the interest of the business connections that it can weave with like-minded initiatives. Having access to all sorts of kitchen, processing, packing, labeling equipment, plus storage means rendering all operations highly affordable for young entrepreneurs in the region. It saves them from the upfront expenses of often very expensive equipment (the surprising price tag of a labeler alone: $ 55,000!) The facility rents its kitchen space for $ 50/hr, less then half of its real cost ($ 108/hr). The processing center covers its shortfall with donations. In addition customers receive trainings in all aspects of technical assistance (certifications, planning, accounting, marketing, labor issues, etc.) (more…)
A Revolution of Hope 