UMass Value-added Food Program

Could Western Mass. be to food’s future what Boston is to biotech? UMass is betting on it with $120 million.
With the global population projected to hit nearly 10 billion by 2050, the future of food is all about access

UMass Amherst is launching a $120 million effort to address real-world concerns as the global food system faces critical challenges related to climate change and sustainability, food safety and a growing population expected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. 

UMass Amherst Researchers Find New Food Safety Rules Can Cost Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Big Money

Check out the UMass Amherst news release about a recently published paper by Prof. Amanda Kinchla, Dr. Jill Ann Fitzsimmons and Christina Allingham regarding cost implications for small processors implementing a food safety plan.

Recent Research led by UMass Amherst Resource Economist Jill Fitzsimmons found that growers might profit if they freeze their produce and sell during the off-season. But is this a good choice for a farm business? This investigation provides information and a cost calculator so growers can make informed decisions. 

Local growers and food businesses have been in the spotlight lately. Their resiliency is an integral part of the Massachusetts food system. The newly released Massachusetts Food Processors Resource Guide supports new and growing value-added agricultural and entrepreneurial food businesses.