While research documenting the impacts of direct marketing locally produced foods find positive impacts across the food supply chain (i.e. producers, chefs, consumers, and the overall economy), significant barriers to efficient farm-to-chef connections remain. Lack of knowledge and communication...

This paper explores the innovative multi-stakeholder cooperative structure of Sandhills Farm to Table Food Hub and how this business utilizes an innovative organizational structure to connect producers, consumers, and workers to each other and the community. Evaluating SF2T’s structure...

In an effort to facilitate communication between agricultural producers and their local officials, the Texas AgriLife Extension Services' risk-management specialists and county agricultural agents developed region-specific model farms through the FARM assistance program. Financial and Risk...

Collaborative local food distribution and business enterprise combinations were studied for agriculture producers in remote, low-populated rural communities in Nevada. The research assessed the supply of agricultural products and compared the feasibility of enterprises for local sales and value...

The certification of fresh produce producers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) has become a common requirement by wholesale and retail buyers. The Food Safety Modernization Act has provisions for the adoption of traceability systems by farms with fresh produce. The US Food and Drug...

This research report presents methods used to conduct a national assessment of access to nutritious, affordable food in low-income neighborhoods and communities, an initiative contained in the 2008 Farm Bill. A number of research challenges were addressed in carrying out this directive,...

This study provides a framework for describing the profiles of consumers who are more likely to use nutrition labels and to pay attention to serving-size information. Inan online survey, food consumers were asked about the importance of nutrition labels and how often they read the serving-size...

Despite their growth and desirability, several major barriers preclude the development of Local Food Systems (LFS) including the reluctance of wholesale operators to deal with LFS suppliers. We examine the contribution of Limehouse Produce to the development of the Charleston, S.C. LFS. Survey...

Few studies have assessed changes in dietary choice and food preparation habits through community supported agriculture (CSA) program membership. If CSA program participation does indeed produce attitude and behavioral change in its participants, public policy encouraging CSA program membership,...