Despite the complexity and evolution of local food systems, some of these changes are connected to social movements. For instance, the "food justice" movement has put a lot of emphasis on farmers of colour having access to land and markets. Other improvements include the development of organic farming and certificates for animal welfare. In addition, local food advocates highlight the advantages of eating locally grown food, such as better health, less sprawl, and land preservation.
There is an increasing demand for locally produced goods as consumers seek food that is more flavorful, healthier, and made nearby. Farmers are therefore exerting a lot of effort to satisfy this demand. These farmers also benefit from the business opportunities regional food systems offer. Local food systems are essential to the growth of such marketplaces because many mid-size farmers are underserved in larger markets.
Additionally, local food systems benefit the environment and local economy. People invest in the local food supply and their communities by supporting local farmers, shopping locally, and patronizing neighbourhood markets. These investments promote social interaction, encouraging group action to challenge the current quo. Additionally, they encourage better living.
This research tries to comprehend the development of regional food systems. The writers can better grasp the changes in their different locations by contrasting two local food systems in the United States. The writers also emphasize how direct marketing has contributed to these shifts. For example, while the local food system in Baltimore is fundamentally experiencing considerable changes, it has mainly stayed stable in Chester County. Finally, the research aims to comprehend how these modifications impact the network structure of regional food systems and how they relate to governmental objectives.
Even though there is a growing demand for local foods, the development of local food systems has not produced a reliable local food network, which is an important fact that should not be disregarded. Farmers' markets are disappearing from many counties, and the local food networks they helped establish are not sustaining these changes. For instance, the COVID-19 outbreak has forced several restaurants to close, which has substantially impacted the local economy. Even still, most small firms have enough cash to operate for 27 days without a single new sale. However, restaurants have a 16-day buffer. This is because the restaurant network in Baltimore County is so strongly reliant on nearby eateries.
Diverse stakeholder groups must be represented in local food systems. The power of community leaders must be utilized by the local food system, businesses, and farmers. Here is where a coalition may help. A team is an umbrella grouping of organizations with similar goals. Partnerships between people and organizations are formed to enhance the local food system.
Local food systems are evolving, which makes it harder for them to be sustained, but they are still expanding. For instance, a recent USDA agricultural census revealed a 270% growth in the number of farmers' markets in Chester County and Maryland during the previous seven years. In contrast, by 2018, about 40% of those markets had shut down. Those figures show a system that is undergoing rapid evolution and flux.
These adjustments assist local communities economically and socially and encourage local food. Local food's rising popularity inspires new business owners to establish operations there. Together, governments and corporate stakeholders can reestablish consumer confidence in neighbourhood food chains and stimulate local economies.
The changes may impact whole food systems. Food manufacturers must modify their processes for production and distribution; some may even have difficulty remaining in operation. Manufacturers and suppliers must also change as food is transported through various channels. These changes will also impact lesser-known farms and specialist producers.
Over the past half of the 20th century, numerous changes have occurred to the food and agricultural systems. In the United States, farmers receive only 17% of the consumer food dollar as gross farm payments, down from 40% in 1950. The industrialization tendency has also resulted in the yearly death of thousands of farmers. Rural areas are also losing their vibrancy, and consumers' understanding of the origins of their food is eroding.
Local food systems support the regional economy, local farmers, and ties between neighbours. They support environmental stewardship, enhance food safety, and promote local food. Customers may eat healthier, safer, and more reasonably priced food by supporting local farmers and eating locally produced food.