The Promise, Expectations, and Remaining Questions About Local Foods
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.
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.
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.
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.
