AgMRC-Developed Materials

• Export Opportunities, Iowa State University, 2003 - Compared to larger plants, smaller-scaled plants are normally at a cost disadvantage in terms of exporting product. This paper looks at opportunities for exports of pork and beef from small-scale facilities.
• University Food Development/Processing Centers - This list contains links to universities across the United States that are involved in food development, processing and consumer testing.
• U.S. Beef Packing Industry, Iowa State University.

Other Information

• Choosing and Using a Copacker, Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, 1999.
• Elements of Food Processing, Methods and Equipment, Ohio State University.
• Environmental Self-Assessment for the Food Processing Industry, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Pollution Prevention Unit, 2001 - A quick and easy checklist of pollution prevention measures for the food processing industry.
• Food Processing - Pollution Prevention, University of Minnesota.
• Food Processing's Top 100, Food Processing magazine - This trade publication (www.foodprocessing.com) compiles this list of companies based on food and total sales. The complete list can be downloaded at the end of the article.
• Indiana Venture Links Producers, Urban Chefs, Market to Market, Iowa Public Television, 2003 - An Indiana venture is linking small-scale pork production with urban chefs.
• Of Church and Steak: Farming for the Soul, New York Times, 2007 - This article discusses a growing trend, faith-based farming, or farming according to religious principles. Adherents within the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths stress practices like fair treatment of farm workers, respect for the environment and humane treatment of animals. The article notes that "religious institutions oversee the production of $250 billion per year in food if you bundle together halal, kosher and institutional buying."
• Postharvest Resources Directory, University of California-Davis Department of Pomology -  This directory includes 464 individual resources such as "Controlled and Modified Atmospheres," "Cooling and Refrigeration" and "Gas Sampling, Mixing and Analysis."
• Processing Meat in the Home, University of Minnesota Extension.
• Selection and Purchase of Used Food Processing Equipment, Kansas State University.
• Stagnito Communications (publisher of The National Provisioner) - If you scroll down this page, you will find listings for beverage companies; dairy, fruit and vegetable companies; the top 100 meat processors; the top 20 potato chip brands and the top 50 private label products.
• Starting a Food Business - Food Entrepreneur Resources, Penn State University - This site contains a set of links to online resources in food technology, microbiology, government regulations and business strategies for smaller food processors and those considering marketing their own food products.
• Starting a Food Processing Business in Virginia, Virginia Cooperative Extension.
• The U.S. Food Marketing System, Economic Research Service, USDA, 2002 - This provides an overview of the structure, performance, technologies and foreign direct investment of the U.S. food system, including concentration.

Links to Other Sites

• Apple Processors Association
• Food Processing Center, North Central Initiative for Small Farm Profitability, USDA - Clearinghouse of research reports, case studies and more!
• Food Online - The digital marketplace for the food processing industry.
• Food Processing Suppliers Association - The largest U.S. association of suppliers of equipment, packaging, ingredients and services to the global food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing industries.
• New Food Products Resource Center, FoodProcessing.com.
• Food Resource, Oregon State University - General information on food types, ingredients, chemicals and preservatives, processes, etc.
• FoodProductionDaily.com - This commercial site from Europe provides breaking news on food processing and packaging. It also sells market research.
• Grocery Manufacturers Association - An advocacy, value chain, and scientific powerhouse for the Food, Beverage and Consumer Products industry.
• Midwest Food Processors Association - Representing food processors in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
• National Association for the Specialty Food Trade
• National Center for Home Food Preservation - Research-based recommendations for beginning businesses. 
• The National Food Laboratory, Inc. - A contract and research facility in California.
• National Oilseed Processors Association
• Northwest Food Processors Association - Representing food processors in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
• Small Scale Food Processors Association of New York - Promotes networking among beginning and established processors through regional chapters.

Links checked February 2008.