Posted on by Samantha Goyret

Stats

Geographic limitations suggest that food systems could be more effective at regional levels than at exclusively local levels (e.g., Clancy and Ruhf 2010). Local and regional food systems may have their greatest opportunity for scale in regions that have urban population centers with close proximity to rural areas boasting available farmland (Timmons and Wang 2010).

If you enjoy shopping at a farmers market, you’re definitely not alone any longer. According to excerpts from the article by Jeffrey k. O’Hara, “Market Forces: Creating Jobs through Public Investment in Local and Regional Food System,” 63% of shoppers at a local farmers market interacted with fellow shoppers.

At chain supermarkets, only 9% of the customers interacted with one another.

If stronger community ties can be built while discussing the newest crops or the availability of okra or corn, that’s got to be a great side benefit.

Here’s a link to the report, carefully researched by O’Hara.

It’s a lengthy report, with explanatory graphics, might be something to peruse before any crops are in and available.

Points to ponder …

                                                                                                Terri Jenkins-Brady