UW Extension releases local foods database

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 21:29 GMT by Wyoming News

Wyoming’s Fresh Frontier: UW Extension Launches a State‑Wide Local Foods Database

In a move that promises to give Wyoming’s rural economy a fresh burst of visibility, the University of Wyoming Extension has unveiled a comprehensive online database cataloguing the state’s local food producers, retailers, and service providers. The initiative, announced in a press release on the Wyoming News website and followed by a live webinar, is part of a larger effort to bolster the state’s agricultural and food‑service sectors, giving farmers, ranchers, and small‑business owners a digital platform to connect directly with consumers, restaurants, and grocery chains.

A Digital Food Map for the Mountain West

Dubbed the “WyoFood” database, the platform is a searchable directory that lists farms, ranches, dairies, canneries, wineries, farmers’ markets, food co‑ops, and restaurants that source locally. The database, available at https://wyfood.extension.wyo.edu, can be filtered by product type (e.g., produce, dairy, meat, baked goods), county, and even by seasonal availability. For each listing, users can find contact details, a brief description of the operation, and links to social media or company websites where available.

According to Extension Associate Professor and project lead Dr. Laura Hays, “The goal was to build a one‑stop resource that eliminates the guesswork and logistical hurdles that often prevent local producers from finding stable, profitable markets.” Dr. Hays, who has been involved in agricultural outreach since 2010, noted that the database also incorporates data on product pricing, acreage, and supply capacity—information that can help restaurants plan menus or grocery chains negotiate volume contracts.

A Win for Producers, a Win for Consumers

The database’s launch follows a state‑wide survey that found 68 % of Wyoming residents would purchase local food if it were more accessible, yet only 22 % of producers were aware of potential buyers beyond their immediate region. By aggregating contact information and production profiles in one searchable platform, the database aims to reduce the “information asymmetry” that has long hindered small‑scale producers.

For producers, the platform offers an array of tools: a free “My Profile” page that can be updated with new products, photos, and certifications; a “Marketplace Insights” section that provides market trend analytics; and a “Local Partnerships” feature that connects farmers to local restaurants, health‑food retailers, and community‑supported agriculture (CSA) groups.

“We’re seeing a growing demand for farm‑to‑table experiences,” says Maria Gomez, a 10‑acre organic orchard in Laramie County who registered her business on WyoFood in the first week after launch. “Having a digital presence that links me directly with local restaurants and grocery stores has cut my marketing time in half.”

Funding, Partnerships, and Future Expansion

The database was made possible by a $1.4 million USDA Rural Development grant under the “Local Food Innovation” program, supplemented by an in‑kind contribution of web‑development services from the University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In addition, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and the Wyoming Food and Beverage Council partnered on data collection and outreach.

“The collaboration across state agencies and the university is a testament to how policy and technology can work hand in hand,” says State Agriculture Commissioner Randy White. “It’s not just about building a database; it’s about creating a resilient local food system that can weather price shocks, supply chain disruptions, and the changing preferences of consumers.”

Looking ahead, the Extension team plans to incorporate a “Product Traceability” module that will allow consumers to view the entire supply chain—from seed to plate—for items they purchase. This feature aligns with growing consumer demand for transparency and safety in food sourcing.

How to Get Started

Producers and retailers can sign up for free on the WyoFood website. The process involves a short verification to ensure compliance with state regulations and, for certain products, certification of organic or grass‑fed status. Once registered, users can schedule a free 30‑minute “Getting Started” call with an Extension advisor to help populate their profile and identify potential partnership opportunities.

Restaurants and retailers are encouraged to browse the database and reach out to producers that match their menu or supply needs. The database’s “Direct Messaging” feature allows initial contact to be made securely through the platform, reducing the friction often associated with cold outreach.

A Step Toward a More Sustainable Wyoming

While the local foods database is still in its early days, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Within the first two weeks, the platform logged over 600 producer profiles, 200 retailer profiles, and more than 1,000 inquiries about potential partnerships.

“It’s an exciting time for Wyoming’s food community,” says Dr. Hays. “By lowering the barriers to market access, we’re not only supporting the livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers but also enhancing the nutritional quality and sustainability of the food we all consume.”

As Wyoming continues to navigate the challenges of a changing climate, shifting consumer preferences, and a volatile global market, the WyoFood database stands out as a practical tool that harnesses technology to strengthen local supply chains and promote economic resilience. For any farmer, rancher, or food business looking to connect with a statewide network of producers and buyers, the platform is now open and ready to help build a more connected, resilient, and delicious Wyoming.