Ashland Food Co-op Seeks Proposals

The Chequamegon Food Cooperative of Ashland, Wis. is requesting proposals from food producers and community members on how the Co-op can better serve the local food economy. The Co-op, which is collectively owned by 1,700 households, has been a leader in supporting local food for decades, and is now looking to further that support in a variety of ways.

In addition to pursuing active projects as diverse as a micro-loan program for farm producers to an in-store grain mill for grinding locally-grown wheat, the Co-op is reaching out to the food community to see what new projects will be proposed by growers and processors. This has taken the form of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2012. The RFP is a prepared document detailing proposal criteria for four categories:

1. Infrastructure and Capitalization. Proposals relating to how the Co-op can assist growers and processors with specific Co-op-related projects that require new or improved infrastructure or some form of funding.

2. Marketing and Sales. Proposals relating to how the Co-op can increase awareness and eventual sales of local products through pricing policy, in-store display, or promotions.

3. Food Production. Proposals relating to the growing and/or processing of local foods that the Co-op has identified as having a need for. Included in the RFP is a list of these products. Quantity estimates and other information can be obtained by contacting the Co-op.

4. Chequamegon Foods Farm. The Co-op owns an 80-acre parcel of prime fruit-growing land in the orchard country outside of Bayfield, Wis. Some sections of the farm are currently being leased to other parties, and the Co-op is looking for proposals for use of some or the entire farm, whether by lease, land contract, sale, or other arrangement. A full description of the Chequamegon Foods Farm is included in the RFP, and farm tours can be arranged.

The RFP document can be downloaded from the Co-op website, emailed, or mailed via USPS. To request a copy please contact the Co-op at (715) 682-8251.