Create and Distribute a List of Endangered Foods: Forming the basis of the project, RAFT compiled the first ever
List of America’s Endangered food. This list is result of
research and recommendations from the expertise of dozens of food
historians, chefs, conservation biologists, farmers, plant and
animal explorers, genetic conservationists, and agricultural
activists. This list includes over 700 endangered plant and animal
foods from apples to shellfish and identifies the status,
location, as well as the historical and cultural links of these
foods. Next, selections from the RAFT List will be submitted
as candidates for the Slow Food “Ark of Taste”—candidates must not
only be endangered but have excellent gastronomic qualities as
well.
Renewing America’s Food Traditions,
a
publication:
RAFT
has just published its first 90-page book, Renewing America’s
Food Traditions which includes the List of Endangered Foods
as well as twenty stories highlighting some of America’s most
endangered foods and the success stories of the foods that have
been brought back from the brink of extinction.
Development, Promotion, & Events: Work with national & tribal organizations and experts to develop
and promote conservation strategies, sustainable food production,
public policy initiatives and market based incentives. RAFT hopes
to encourage the use of these foods from producers to consumers
through workshops, marketing campaigns, tasting events and
grow-outs of endangered foods. Some planned projects include a
native foods summit, Tepary bean marketing strategy, featuring
native foods at restaurants, heirloom seed adoption and heirloom
food events, and a campaign to put heritage livestock back on our
tables.
Documentation:
Create dossiers of the foods included on the List complete with
historical photos and recipes, food history, producer listings and
more.
