Increasing the Capacity for Place-based Food Systems

Abstract

First paragraph: Communities across North America are respond­ing to environmental, economic, and social chal­lenges in our food and agricultural systems by cre­ating and nurturing “place-based food systems.” Some distinguishing features of place-based, regional food systems are that: • They are deeply connected to the environ­ment and to caring for it in a particular place; • There are relationships of trust within supply chains from farmers and ranchers to processors to distributors to retailers or other institutions to consumers; • Community food security and food sover­eignty are important goals and rights; • The health of individuals and communities is paramount; • There are infrastructures in place to support healthy place-based food systems; and • All members of the food system have an opportunity to participate meaningfully in its development.

Keywords

• Values-based Supply Chains
• Agriculture of the Middle
• Small and Medium-sized Farms
• Food System Infrastructure
• Food System Distribution