Food Hubs and the Regional Food System: Refining Our Understanding of Best Practices from Foodsheds to Operations

Project Overview

LS13-256
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2013: $230,000.00
Projected End Date: 09/30/2017
Region: Southern
State: Georgia
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Carrie Furman
Email
University of Georgia Crop and Soil Sciences Department

Annual Reports

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Education and Training: farmer to farmer, networking, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research
  • Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture, cooperatives, farm-to-institution, value added
  • Sustainable Communities: ethnic differences/cultural and demographic change, social capital, social networks

    Abstract:

    Food hub models in Georgia vary due to differences in geography, grower characteristics, mission, infrastructure available, business plan, and markets targeted. Due to this, specific food hub needs and lessons learned will differ when compared across these variables. This project utilizes input from growers, food hub managers, and buyers from qualitative and quantitative data to better understand this diversity. This systems research will document lessons, innovations and solutions of extant food hubs, and generate guidelines for farmers interested in working with food hubs. Results were shared with a wide audience through workshops, presentations, and publications.

    Project objectives:

    The objectives of the Food Hubs and the Regional Food System: Refining Our Understanding of Best Practices from Foodsheds to Operations for the initial year were: 1) Meet with members of an Advisory Committee and refine interview guide; 2) Recruit and train graduate assistant; 3) Plan for Ethnographic Field School; 4) Begin IMPLAN analysis of economic impacts; 4) Begin interviewing stakeholders associated with food hubs; 5) Participate in Food Hub Learning Network workshops and conferences

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.