It is exhilarating to reflect upon what we have accomplished since PSFN launched one year ago.  Regional food development and local food hubs remain red-hot opportunities for growth, yet we continually evolve to stay ahead of curve in an ever-changing landscape.  We've far exceeded first year membership goals. Producers and buyers have demonstrated a readiness to work together and strengthen our local food community.  Based on our first year achievements, there is no doubt that PSFN services are in demand.  There is no better time for PSFN.
 

Our mission is to increase the production, distribution, and consumption of regionally produced food and there are many examples of how we have embraced these ideals. PSFN worked with retail collaborators to launch two wholesale markets. We worked with Skagit Valley Food Coop to launch the Skagit Wholesale Market, a seasonal wholesale farmers market in Mt Vernon designed for area businesses and food producers to come together and conduct business transactions. For fifteen-weeks, the market attracted fifty-seven diverse food buyers, including restaurants, grocery stores and institutions like Skagit Valley Hospital, Mt Vernon School District and nearby United General Hospital, who increased local food purchases to 75%, and in the process made the hospital a food destination by featuring products on the menu that had been produced within 50 miles of the hospital.
 

Our collaboration with Whole Foods Market led to the brief expansion of the wholesale market for a three-week pilot in the heart of Seattle. Thirty five commercial buyers visited the Seattle Wholesale Market and many bought food directly from local producers.  During this pilot, important and lasting relationships were established. For example, Sherman's Pioneer Farm Produce was introduced to Whole Foods Market Buyers. The wholesale market connection quickly led to Whole Foods Market ordering the Sherman's Sugar Hubbard squash, a uniquely local heirloom.  Shoppers can now walk into any Whole Foods Market in Washington and Oregon and buy packages of cubed Sugar Hubbard squash with the Sherman's family name on it. We know it's a concept worth growing in 2011.
 

Our growing network of members and new partnership opportunities has helped PSFN establish healthy roots for the benefit of food and other agricultural producers in our region. We received a Specialty Crop Block Grant from Washington State Department of Agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops for Washington producers. We are very fortunate to be part of Communities Putting Prevention to Work through our association with Seattle Human Services on a unique Farm to Table project designed to cater to some of Seattle's most underserved citizens. Our involvement in this pilot project will make fresh, healthy foods accessible by bringing local produce straight from local farms to limited-access (low-income and/or home-bound) seniors through home-delivered and congregate meal programs.  We see it as yet another marketing channel for local producers and an excellent way for our food community to work together to benefit all.
 

As we enter 2011, we're months away from the height of growing season and we're not sitting idle. We're in the process of planning our second year of wholesale markets in Skagit and Seattle, improving PSFN membership benefits and technology infrastructure, widening connections between producers and institutional foodservice. We've built up strong momentum in 2010 and look forward to new opportunities for continued growth and relevancy in 2011 and beyond.

DID YOU KNOW your membership allows access to your very own Account Manager? PSFN Account Managers are spread across the region and are experienced professionals in the food industry.
 

Here are some tips on how you can work with your Account Manager to buy and sell products using PSFN.
 

1. Online Profile and Marketplace - Update your profile information and keep the Marketplace selections for your business current. PSFN is meant to be a collaborative space that will only increase in value as the members become more comfortable with the online tool. Training sessions are available. Please contact your Account Manager for more information.
 

2. Live Market - Live Market is a weekly Fresh Sheet that highlights seasonal or new products and deals currently available through PSFN members. We send out this Fresh Sheet to our ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP every Monday, in which there are products being seen by tons of potential buyers.
 

Here's how to include your products in Live Market:

• Update Marketplace with your Products/Request by going to Products and then Post a New Product for Sale after logging in.
• Contact your Account Manager and let them know you'd like to feature something (please do so by the Thursday prior).
• Email your current offerings or Fresh Sheets to elliot@psfn.org

3. Communication - Keep in contact with your Account Manager. Let us know what you have to sell or what you are looking to source. The Puget Sound Food Network staff seeks to be advocates for our members and that starts at Account Managers. Keep us up to date with the happenings of your business and we'll keep on the look out for business opportunities for our clients.
 

As always, we're here to help! Contact info@psfn.org if you have any questions or need additional assistance