Programs and Services
Every Association is only as good as the programs it offers.
The Cottage Food Operators Association of America (CFOAA) helps ensure that the Cottage Food industry succeeds - today and tomorrow. We provide the rapidly growing movement with information, tools, and representation at local, state and national levels. We build networks, link peers, inspire leadership, and connect affiliated organizations. Our programs cannot be found collectively elsewhere, we are dedicated to be the clearinghouse for answers,resources and information vital to a successful cottage food operation. As a national organization we additionally offer our members many opportunities and advantages they otherwise would not accomplish easily on their own.
Each chapter is a unique expression of its local operators and community. However, many of the issues that operators face are universal. CFOAA provides a network of support, where ideas and issues are discussed, and best practices shared.
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CFOAA represents 2500 operators and maintains a listserv of over 500 subscribers. We work closely with state and regional leaders to build the capacity of affiliated state associations, and support research that promotes widespread understanding of their impact.
Network
CFOAA supplies information to new and established members through a variety of outlets. Webinars feature experts in food safety, business strategy, federal regulations, and marketing, among others.
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Over 200 tools, links, templates, reports, and videos are available in the CFOAA Reading Lounge. The Heard It In The Market, our quarterly newsletter, highlights innovative market programs around the country, peer-written articles, recent research, and upcoming events.
Educate
While Operators and farmers are busy with the raising and selling healthy food for their communities, we give them a voice in public policies that impact our food system.
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The food processing and sales industry spent almost $29 million on lobbying in 2011, with more than 1000 lobbyists on file. Our role as an adviser to local and state governments and agencies prevents these large corporations and lobbyists from drowning out the interests of local operators. CFOAA communicates the needs of operators directly to governing bodies.
Represent
"The Cottage Food industry has grown at a pace unimagined and shows no signs of slowing down.
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It began as a means for the farmers' wife to add baked goods, candies, jams and jellies and other products to the families marketplace. Now housewives, single parents, grandmothers (and fathers) and urban food entrepreneurs have jumped on the wagon and adding their specialties in a variety of new and tasty ways to the market.
Shopping, eating and sharing food is fun again!!!"
CFOAA release, 2015