FARMWISE Indiana Transitions to Independent Nonprofit to Boost Local Food Systems

The organization will utilize funding to expand consulting services for farmers entering the wholesale market.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic studio still life featuring a glass jar of fresh produce, a wooden crate, and a metal scale arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the business of local food systems and institutional partnerships.A refined studio still life captures the refined business of connecting local farms to large-scale institutional buyers.Bloomington Today

After a successful two-year incubation period at Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute, FARMWISE Indiana has officially launched as an independent nonprofit, FARMWISE Indiana Inc. The organization's mission remains focused on bridging the gap between local farmers and large-scale institutional buyers, such as schools, universities, and hospitals. Since its launch in 2024, FARMWISE has demonstrated significant economic impact across Indiana, shifting $75,000 directly to local farms and assisting 247 businesses in developing values-based procurement plans.

Why it matters

The spin-off allows FARMWISE to operate with greater agility while maintaining its partnership with IU. The technical assistance provided by FARMWISE is seen as the key to unlocking the potential of Indiana institutions to source more food locally, supporting Hoosier farmers and ensuring fresh, regional food reaches plates in cafeterias and hospital rooms across the state.

The details

Under the leadership of Jodee Smith, the newly formed nonprofit will utilize funding from Builders' Vision to expand its consulting services for farmers ready to enter the wholesale market. Since its launch in July 2024, the program has engaged with over 2,200 stakeholders, facilitated 300+ introductions between buyers and sellers, and highlighted IU Dining in Bloomington, which spent $4 million with Hoosier businesses during the 2024-25 academic year—$1.4 million of which went directly to Indiana farms.

  • FARMWISE Indiana officially launched as an independent nonprofit, FARMWISE Indiana Inc., on April 1, 2026.
  • FARMWISE Indiana was incubated at Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute for two years prior to its independence.

The players

FARMWISE Indiana Inc.

A newly formed independent nonprofit organization focused on bridging the gap between local farmers and large-scale institutional buyers in Indiana.

Indiana University's Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI)

The institute that incubated FARMWISE Indiana for two years before it became an independent nonprofit.

Jodee Smith

The new leader of the independent FARMWISE Indiana Inc. nonprofit.

Builders' Vision

The organization providing funding to FARMWISE Indiana Inc. to expand its consulting services for farmers.

Sarah Mincey

The managing director of the Environmental Resilience Institute at Indiana University.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“ERI is proud to have served as an incubator. The technical assistance provided by FARMWISE is the key to unlocking the potential of Indiana institutions to source more food locally.”

— Sarah Mincey, ERI Managing Director

What’s next

As FARMWISE Indiana Inc. moves forward, it aims to continue improving the livelihoods of Hoosier farmers while ensuring fresh, regional food reaches plates in cafeterias and hospital rooms across the state.

The takeaway

The transition of FARMWISE Indiana to an independent nonprofit organization demonstrates the potential for public-private partnerships to bolster local food systems and support small-scale farmers. By providing technical assistance and consulting services, FARMWISE has been able to facilitate connections between local producers and large institutional buyers, driving economic impact and increasing access to fresh, regional food across Indiana.