This report shows that local and regional food systems could expand further, with the potential for creating tens of thousands of jobs in rural communities—many of which are struggling economically—and in urban communities as well. Overall, the expansion of local and regional food systems could complement the nation’s existing mechanisms for food production, distribution, and consumption. Greater investment in local and regional food systems would thus be an essential step for agriculture policies that seek to support such economic activity.

Among the report’s major findings are:

1. Local and regional food systems are an expanding part of our food system.

2. The economic, environmental, and health impacts of local and regional food systems depend on how consumers’ purchasing decisions are altered.

3. Local and regional food systems can have positive effects on regional economies.

4. Local and regional food systems have scalability challenges, some of which can be addressed through public policy.