CHOICES

CHOICES

A publication of AAEA

A publication of AAEA
The Promise, Expectations, and Remaining Questions About Local Foods

The Promise, Expectations, and Remaining Questions About Local Foods

PDF Version

Local Food Coming of Age: The Evolution of the Local Brand, Policy Initiatives and Role of Direct Markets in the Agriculture Portfolio

Dawn Thilmany and Timothy A. Woods

We are at an interesting point in the evolution of local food markets, policy and research. This overview summarizes the highlights of a series of articles that explore the trends in markets and federal policy environment, as well as the potential implications for food labels and farm performance.

A Local Food System Glossary: A Rose by Any Other Name

Rodney B. Holcomb, Clinton L. Neill, Joanna Lelekacs, Margarita Velandia, Timothy A. Woods, H.L. Goodwin, Jr., and Ronald L. Rainey

While “local” is an umbrella term for a broad array of niche food distribution strategies, agreeing on a single definition has been the subject of a long-standing debate in the food industry. However, there are several common traits and terms, which we formally define.

Federal Policy, Administration, and Local Food Coming of Age

Jill K. Clark and Becca B.R. Jablonski

This article reviews the federal legislative and administrative maturation of local food. By focusing on the Farm Bill and the Know Your Farmer Know Your Food program—one way in which the USDA carries out its legislative mandates—we can assess where local foods will be in the future.

Putting Local Food Dollars to Work: The Economic Benefits of Local Food Dollars to Workers, Farms and Communities

Dave Shideler, Allie Bauman, Dawn Thilmany, and Becca B.R. Jablonski

Local and regional food systems have garnered food industry and policy interest. To inform discussions on potential economic benefits to a variety of stakeholders, we summarize work focused on workforce and farm financial performance implications of local food initiatives, ultimately linking those changes to potential economic impacts to surrounding communities.