Comparing the Structure, Size, and Performance of Local and Mainstream Food Supply Chains - FIC

We’ve detected that you are using an outdated browser.

Please use a new browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge to improve your experience.

We’ve detected that you are using an outdated browser.

Publications

Comparing the Structure, Size, and Performance of Local and Mainstream Food Supply Chains

A series of coordinated case studies compares the structure, size, and performance of local food supply chains with those of mainstream supply chains. Interviews and site visits with farms and businesses, supplemented with secondary data, describe how food moves from farms to consumers in 15 food supply chains. Key comparisons between supply chains include the degree of product differentiation, diversification of marketing outlets, and information conveyed to consumers about product origin. The cases highlight differences in prices and the distribution of revenues among supply chain participants, local retention of wages and proprietor income, transportation fuel use, and social capital creation.

Publication Name
ERS Economic Research Report
Downloadable Documents
Author
Robert P. King, Michael S. Hand, Gigi DiGiacomo, Kate Clancy, Miguel I. Gómez, Shermain D. Hardesty, Larry Lev, and Edward W. McLaughlin
Publisher
Washington, DC: USDA Economic Research Service
Page Numbers
81
Publication Date
June 01, 2010
Publication Type
Reports and Guides
State
National
Keywords
Direct Marketing, Farm to School / Institution, Farmers Markets, Food Miles, Local / Regional Food Systems

Visit American Farmland Trust

Get engaged and receive the information you need right in your inbox.