-
Evaluating Feasibility of Food, Farm, Livestock, and Fertilizer Projects
Helianth’s team has produced and contributed to several studies – feasibility studies, business plans, needs assessments, and more – focused on food and agriculture supply chain projects. These studies have been produced for and in support of USDA funding programs and regional initiatives. They have been used to guide project planning and conceptual designs, secure…
-
Expanding Access to Agricultural Land Conservation Programs
Helianth is providing Technical Assistance to the California Department of Conservation on its initiative to increase equity and inclusion of underrepresented groups in its Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation program, or SALC. Our goal is to increase the degree to which socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are included in projects funded by the SALC program. We…
-
Supporting Tribal Food Sovereignty
Helianth’s team has produced and contributed to grants, planning documents, and community development initiatives that support food sovereignty for Tribal nations and Indigenous communities. Included in this work is attention to expanding perspectives of how food is sourced, shared, consumed, and celebrated – namely, because food and medicines are an anchor for culture and community,…
-
Connecting Rural Groceries and Farms
Helianth is exploring ways to better connect rural groceries with the farms that, while largely rural in nature, often do not provide fresh produce to their community’s retail outlets. This is a major challenge for food security and sustainability. To further this effort, we are connecting with other practitioners in the field, developing research initiatives,…
-
Evaluating Success Factors for Rural Farm-to-School Initiatives
Helianth has produced a case study, the first of a three-part series, that explores the challenges and successes of Humboldt County Office of Education’s Farm-to-School endeavors. The study explores how a rural and remote northern California community has become a leader in the farm-to-school realm through the support of numerous state and federal grants, the…
-
Identifying Market-Based Strategies for Water-Saving Crops
Focusing on the Colorado River Basin in the Southwestern US, strategies were identified to support market-driven solutions that could incentivize producers of water-intensive agriculture to switch crops – called “crop-switching” – or production methods to reduce water consumption. The study evaluated several in-depth opportunities, including conversion of alfalfa to drought-tolerant grain and feed crops. Additionally,…
-
Michelle Klieger
Michelle is an agricultural economist with over 10 years of experience in the food and agriculture sector. An economist and a business strategist, she works with the global seed industry, agtech companies, conventional and non-conventional agriculture firms, community organizations, and philanthropic foundations. Taking her around the world, her work helps industry leaders manage and grow…
-
Fawn Scheer
Fawn is a community food systems specialist with over 20 years of professional experience spanning regional food and agriculture, rural economic and community development, Tribal food sovereignty, and climate adaptation. Her project management, technical research, fund development, strategic planning, and business consulting clients range from County food banks and Tribal governments to large corporations and…
