BLOOMINGTON – After a successful two-year incubation period at Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute (ERI), FARMWISE Indiana officially launched as an independent nonprofit, FARMWISE Indiana Inc., on April 1, 2026.
The organization’s mission remains focused on bridging the gap between local farmers and large-scale institutional buyers, such as schools, universities, and hospitals. By providing technical assistance and consulting, FARMWISE helps align small-batch agricultural production with the massive procurement needs of state institutions.
Since its launch in July 2024, the program has demonstrated significant economic impact across the Hoosier State:
- Stakeholder Network: Engaged with over 2,200 stakeholders and facilitated 300+ introductions between buyers and sellers.
- Economic Shift: Successfully shifted $75,000 directly to local farms and assisted 247 businesses in developing values-based procurement plans.
- Institutional Spending: Highlighted by 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.
The spin-off allows FARMWISE to operate with greater agility while maintaining its partnership with IU. 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.
“ERI is proud to have served as an incubator,” said ERI Managing Director Sarah Mincey. “The technical assistance provided by FARMWISE is the key to unlocking the potential of Indiana institutions to source more food locally.”
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.
