Marketing and Economic Development is a small division but plays a major role in meeting the department’s mission to support the development of Utah’s agriculture and food industries and ensure a quality food supply. This division is comprised of the International Trade program, Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Utah’s Own program, and also administers the Junior Livestock Treasury and the Apple, Tart Cherry, and Wool Marketing Boards. In addition to these programs, the Marketing and Economic Development division works closely with community stakeholders and industry organizations to continually improve consumer awareness and the economic health of agriculture in Utah and provides communications and marketing support for all UDAF divisions and programs.
Marketing and Economic Development Programs:
Agritourism is a key part of supporting local agriculture and helping Utah’s farms to stay sustainable and productive. It allows farm operations to provide more job opportunities and connect communities.
The purpose of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food’s International Trade Program is to connect Utah agriculture & food producers with a variety of local and global resources to facilitate growth into international markets.
In partnership between UDAF and the Utah State Board of Education Child Nutrition Program (CNP), the Farm to Fork program seeks to provide training and resources to child nutrition operators to increase the consumption of fresh, safe, and healthy, local foods.
The RFSI Grant Program is a competitive grant program to improve the middle of the food supply chain for Utah-based food and farm businesses. Subawards will be issued that support the development of activities including, but not limited to the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products meant for human consumption.
SCBGP is a competitive grant program operated by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food in which funding from the United States Department of Agriculture is awarded to eligible applicants to support Utah’s specialty crop industry. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture — including nursery crops, and more.
UDAF is a key partner in the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center.
Visit swfoodbiz.org for business resources including technical assistance, grant information, training programs, and events.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food offers marketing and local branding resources to qualifying Utah agriculture and food businesses via the Utah’s Own™ program.
Other Resources:
- Annual Reports
- Market Reports
- Newsletters
- UDAF Grants
- Resources:
Contact Information:
| Name | Email Address | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division Director | Caroline Hargraves | [email protected] | (385) 867-0901 |
| Farm to School | Natalie McHale | [email protected] | (801) 300-1517 |
| Grant Programs | Allison Ross | [email protected] | (385) 549-7987 |
| International Trade | Mitch Garrett | [email protected] | (385) 549-9167 |
| Utah Agritourism | Adrianna Franco | [email protected] | (801) 803-0713 |
| Utah’s Own | Emily Ashby | [email protected] | (385) 977-7919 |
