What is the role of national policies in fostering local food supply chains?

Abstract

First paragraphs:

National Policies and Programs Supporting Local Foods

As defined in the 2008 farm bill, local foods are those that are transported less than 400 miles from their origins or only within the state in which they are produced (Martinez et al., 2010). However, different states use other definitions of local foods. For example, state organizations, like the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and North Carolina Coop­erative Extension, recognize local foods as food grown, caught, or raised in North Carolina (Favre, 2022). Both producers and consumers generally consider the definition of local foods to be “locally grown and sourced” products, with an appreciation for local farmers and their commitment to stimu­lating economic activity and development. 

The initial concept of local foods can be traced back to neighborhood activities or county-level connections that allowed growers to connect with residents. Many of us who grew up in rural areas (where modern supermarkets were not as popular) share personal experiences or memories of going to local markets and being fascinated by the dynamic interactions between sellers and buyers. Over time, this type of localized exchange has evolved and expanded into more formal market settings, such as farmers' markets, roadside stands, food hubs, and restaurants showcasing specialty products sourced locally. Martinez (2016) provided a comprehensive review of policies that contribute to the local food movement in the U.S., thus strengthening the relationship between growers and consumers grounded in rural communities. Some of the obstacles to growing local food programs and initiatives have been discussed by researchers including production limitations (e.g., geographical location and landscape, soil, and climate variations), distribution limitations (e.g., demand versus supply matching, market regula­tions, and food safety compliance), traceability issues between vendors, suppliers, and buyers, and timely responses to unforeseen challenges (e.g., economic and environmental shocks create gaps for labor and market channel operations) (Martinez, 2016). . . .