What We Do
“Food Systems are complex networks that include all the inputs and outputs associated with agricultural and food production and consumption. Food systems can vary substantially from place to place and over time, depending on location specific conditions.”
-United States Department of Agriculture
The Food Systems Coordinator supports small, diverse farms and value-added food businesses in Indiana. We are also involved in local food in terms of food safety, economics, and education. The Purdue Food Systems program uses an interdisciplinary approach to collaboratively create educational materials and workshops, while engaging community members to build local economies.
Contact Us
Sarah Hanson
Food Systems Coordinator
sspeedy@purdue.edu
615 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-494-8483
Producer
Producer
Farmers/producers can learn more about community organizations and resources.
View ResourcesFood Safety
Food Safety
Consumer
Consumer
Learn more about organizations and resources to help consumers navigate our food systems.
View ResourcesFood Business and Entrepreneurship
Food Business and Entrepreneurship
Learn more about resources related to Food Business and Entrepreneurship
View ResourcesFeatured Stories
Did you know that there are many important events that go on before the fair? There are many things that 4-H'ers must do before the fair that aren't just the projects you see in the ECCC, such as the 4-H Bicycle Club's Rodeo. This event took place on Friday, June 19, a little over a month before the fair.
FoodLink℠ is a tool that will be of help to you, your family, and/or those you serve to make rapid and informed food-related decisions and add to your enjoyment and use of the bounty of specialty crops produced in Indiana.
Stay current, stay compliant, and strengthen your professional expertise by attending Purdue Extension's Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education program. This comprehensive one-day training offers up to 5 Commercial Continuing Certification Hours (CCHs) for licensed applicators in most commercial categories. Participants will gain practical insights on pesticide safety, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), tick identification and control, water quality and pesticide performance, regulatory updates from OISC, and risk management strategies. Learn from Purdue Extension specialists and industry experts while earning valuable credits toward your certification requirements. Take advantage of this convenient opportunity to sharpen your skills and stay informed on the latest pesticide application best practices.
Consider stepping out of what may be your normal grocery store routine to explore locally produced food during Local Food Week, July 24-Aug. 2, 2026.
The new 2026 edition of the Washington County Plat Book is now available at the Purdue Extension – Washington County office for $30.00.
Allen County Fair 2026 was a great success! Now on to Indiana State Fair!