
Business Characteristics
characteristic indicators
The Characteristics Indicators page provides a straightforward guide to the roles and practices of local food and farm businesses featured in the Idaho Preferred Farm and Food Finder. Each indicator reflects key aspects like certifications and self-attested practices, helping you search for the producers, ingredients, and food crafters that best meet your needs. These searchable indicators appear on each business profile, linking to further details for informed connections.

Aggregator
In Idaho’s local food system connects small and mid-sized producers, gathering their products into a larger, market-ready supply. By coordinating logistics like sorting, quality control, and distribution, aggregators help producers reach broader markets, including local distributors, retailers, and consumers. This role enables smaller farms to meet the demand for larger, consistent product volumes, making it easier for them to focus on farming while gaining access to new sales opportunities across Idaho.

Broker
A connector who links producers, like farmers and food processors, with buyers, such as distributors, retailers, and restaurants. Brokers handle the negotiation of terms, prices, and logistics without taking ownership of the goods. By staying tuned to market demands and pricing, brokers are skilled at matching producers’ offerings—such as specialty produce, grains, or meats—with buyers looking for those specific products. Instead of storing or handling the products, brokers earn a commission for facilitating these transactions, helping Idaho producers access new markets and favorable sales terms.

Business Services
Provides essential expertise and support to help Idaho’s agricultural and food businesses operate smoothly and grow effectively. These services don’t produce physical products but offer specialized skills and resources, from marketing and financial planning to pest management, logistics, and consulting. By outsourcing or contracting business services, producers and food processors gain access to knowledge and equipment that allows them to focus on their main operations, ensuring efficient and sustainable growth.

Crafter/Processor
A business or individual that transforms raw agricultural products into finished goods. Crafters use artisanal methods to create small-batch items like jams, cheeses, and baked goods, focusing on quality and unique flavors. Processors often operate on a larger scale, using more efficient methods to produce products while maintaining quality. Both add value to raw materials, making them more accessible and appealing to consumers.

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
A direct-to-consumer model where individuals purchase a share or subscription to a farm’s harvest for a set period, often a growing season. In return, members receive regular deliveries or pickups of fresh, seasonal produce and farm products. This model supports local farms, fosters community connections, and allows consumers to share in both the rewards and risks of the harvest.

Distributor
A business that buys products from producers and sells them to retailers or consumers. In agriculture, distributors manage logistics, inventory, and transportation, ensuring local food products reach broader markets.

Education, Access & Advocacy
Organizations that provide resources, training, or programs that support the growth and development of agricultural practices, food systems, or businesses. These organizations help farmers, food producers, and the community stay informed about trends, regulations, and best practices. They may offer workshops, courses, or research to help individuals and businesses thrive in the food and agriculture sectors.

Family Owned
Refers to a business owned and often operated by members of a single family. These businesses prioritize long-term stability and legacy, with key management and decision-making roles typically passed down through generations. Family-owned businesses can vary in size and scope but often emphasize community involvement and a strong connection to local values.

Farm Stand
Is a direct-to-consumer retail operation where farmers sell fresh, locally grown or produced products. Usually located on or near the farm, farm stands offer items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, and sometimes value-added goods like jams, honey, or baked items.

Farmers Market
Is a public marketplace where local farmers, ranchers, and food producers, and other agriculturally connected artisans sell fresh, seasonal products directly to consumers. These markets offer a variety of agricultural goods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, honey, and value-added products like jams, baked goods, or handcrafted items.

Locally Made
Refers to products that are produced, processed, and distributed within Idaho, often close to where the ingredients are grown or raised. This highlights the connection between local agriculture and the creation of finished goods within the state, supporting Idaho’s economy and promoting regional self-sufficiency.

Producer
Refers to an individual or business involved in growing crops, raising livestock, or managing land for agricultural products. This includes farmers, ranchers, and cooperatives that create food, fiber, and other goods for local and broader markets.

Producer-Owned Co-Op
is a cooperative business owned and operated by the producers who supply it with goods or services. This structure allows farmers, artisans, and other producers to work together to improve economic conditions, increase market access, and reduce costs.

Retailer
is a business that sells agricultural products, food items, and supplies directly to consumers or producers. Retailers help connect local farms and food producers with the community, offering fresh, locally sourced goods and supporting the agricultural supply chain.

Veteran-Owned
refers to a business that is owned and operated by military veterans. These businesses are often supported by government programs that promote veteran entrepreneurship and may be recognized for their contributions to the community and the workforce.

Wholesale Vendor
refers to a business or individual in Idaho that sells goods in bulk, typically at a lower price, to retailers, distributors, or other businesses. Wholesale vendors help connect Idaho producers with larger markets, reselling products from local farms and manufacturers to be distributed and sold in smaller quantities or used in various operations.

Women- Owned
refers to a business that is owned and operated by one or more women. These businesses contribute to local economies and may qualify for certifications or programs that support women in entrepreneurship.
Business Practices
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Climate Smart
refers to practical approaches and technologies that help businesses and farms adapt to changing environmental conditions and manage resources efficiently. In agriculture, this can include strategies that improve resilience to weather changes, reduce waste, and optimize the use of water and energy. These practices focus on managing risks, enhancing productivity, and ensuring long-term sustainability in farming and food production.
Enviornmental Sustainability
refers to practices that aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining agricultural productivity. This can include methods that conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and promote efficient use of energy and water. Sustainable practices in agriculture focus on soil health, water management, and biodiversity, ensuring that farming systems are efficient and adaptable over the long term.
Organic Certified
refers to Idaho-grown products that meet standards set by recognized certification bodies. These products are produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, or harmful chemicals, covering items like fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, dairy, and processed foods.