7. Implementing Statewide 311 System - long term SITUATION: Farmers, food entrepreneurs, food system advocates, and regulators in Minnesota have difficulty navigating complex food safety requirements and in state and local rules and regulations. Moreover, there is a disconnect in understanding around food safety practices and business innovations among these groups at the regional level. Summary: Using results of systematic study, set in place a statewide version of the Minneapolis 311 System Ask: Stakeholders involved in the feasibility study in #4 determine if and how to implement a statewide version of the Minneapolis 311 system based on the results of that systematic study. MDA/MDH/Delegated Agencies participate in that determination. Major Legislative and other funding is secured for the implementation. INPUTS OUTPUTS (Activities) OUTCOMES Knowledge Actions Conditions Research on City of Mpls system - to be completed earlier (listed under medium-term activities) to roll into this project Documentation from City of Mpls of their implementation of the system Funding – MN Legislature/Governor IT systems expertise Experienced City of Mpls staff Other state models Food entrepreneurs’ experience Organizations’ experience MDA/MDH involvement / leadership Support from Commissioners of MDA and MDH Design & communications capacity Leadership & Management expertise Media support and attention Pilot project? Establishment of systems and leadership for both process management and food safety/regulatory expertise Align purpose with government goals and efficiency (for marketing to legislature) Connect goals of 311 system with goals of Minnesota Food Charter Establishment of IT system for tracking cases Time tracking & accountability system Scripting & training for entry-point personnel Continual updating of system/scripting & training Establish feedback loops: legislative updates, food entrepreneur input, training of inspectors Communication & Education campaign directed at public Identify supporters and gain their commitment to action/helping Improved public perception of value of MDA and MDH inspectors Increased food entrepreneur knowledge - including on issues of food safety Reduced confusion around requirements on the part of food entrepreneurs Reduced inaccuracies & repeat calls Food inspectors field fewer points of confusion. Better experience for food entrepreneurs More efficient workflow for food inspectors No one gets lost in the system/timeliness of approvals Improved food safety by having more entrepreneurs entering the regulatory system User experience improved ASSUMPTIONS: The implementation of a statewide version of the Minneapolis 311 system will create greater efficiency for regulators and better results for food entrepreneurs. EXTERNAL FACTORS: The success of this project will depend on willingness of agency staff and legislators to support the system.
Timeline Document Aligning Document Vision Statement Problem Statement Bush Grant Goals Short-term Mid-term Long-term Minnesota promotes food safety and economic development through a user-friendly food business regulatory system that is coordinated, reliable and efficient. • Entrepreneurs of small and large food businesses successfully navigate Minnesota’s transparent and streamlined system. Operators obtain the appropriate licenses and certifications and produce safe food for consumers. • Regulators from agencies across Minnesota (MDH, MDA, and delegated local agencies) freely share knowledge and work a timely manner with entrepreneurs of food businesses and with each other. Regulatory agencies are accountable and consistent and support education, outreach and the production and service of safe food to Minnesotans. • Too many startup food entrepreneurs have difficulty navigating complex, and sometimes contradictory, rules and regulations that oversee starting a food business in Minnesota. •Improved climate for the regulated community... to understand and comply with food regulations. • Workshops or continued education to entrepreneurs • Map/List of related resources and economic development organizations • Food safety volunteers (retired inspectors) • Explore potential for partnering with “Minnesota Business First Stop” (DEED) • Regional Food Safety Experts • Second Opinion Campaign (MDA/MDH/Delegated) • In-depth research of Minneapolis 311 System • Statutory changes (MDA/MDH/Delegated Agency) • Statewide implementation of some or all components of Minneapolis 311 System. •Increased focus on food safety by regulated community • ID collaborators (SFA, MISA, etc.) • Workshops or continued education to entrepreneurs • Regional Food Safety Experts • Statewide implementation of some or all components of Minneapolis 311 System. •Moreover, regulators are equally frustrated by the difficulties they face trying to explain complex regulations, the inconsistencies of interpretation between agencies, and systemic restraints that limit their ability to be effective educators of their licensees. •Increased focus on food safety by regulators • Leverage Food Safety Partnership (MDH)/Food Safety Defense Task Force (MDA) • Workshops or continued education to entrepreneurs • Second Opinion Campaign • Regional Food Safety Experts • Statutory changes •Decreased complexity and increased efficiency and transparency in licensing and inspection... • Simple visual representation(s) of regulatory concepts • Feedback system •Improved tracking system for everything that comes into MDA/MDH/Delegated • Regional Food Safety Experts • Statutory changes (MDA/MDH/Delegated Agency) • Statewide implementation of some or all components of Minneapolis 311 System.
•Improved and increased systemic support for regulators... to do education and outreach work. • Improved inspector communication of role • Standing meetings among coordinated agencies/”regional system” meetings 2x per year • In-depth research of Minneapolis 311 System • Second Opinion Campaign • Statewide implementation of some or all components of Minneapolis 311 System. Changing the Approach to Regulation of Local Food Systems in Minnesota. June 2015-June 2016. Karen Lanthier and Stephanie Van Dyke. Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture; funded by Bush Foundation Community Innovation Grant. https://mnlocalfoodregs.wordpress.com/ Referral Organizations Chart Ideas for Inspectors when working with Food Entrepreneurs Community/Non-Profit Resources and Economic Hmong Assoc. Land Project Latino Center MN Assoc. MN Union MN Farm MN Food MN Institute for Regional the Sustainable Farming Association Business Development ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Farmer Education /Support ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Financial management ✔ ✔ ✔ Food regulations ✔ ✔ ✔ Insurance ✔ ✔ Farm