Emerging Local Food Systems – The Role of Locally Developed Innovation in Small-scale Sustainable Farming in Northeast Georgia

Emerging Local Food Systems – The Role of Locally Developed Innovation in Small-scale Sustainable Farming in Northeast Georgia

Summary

Preliminary work has compiled a master list of approximately 30 sustainable producers within the tri-county research region. Extensive participant observation data has been collected during farm visits with the most advanced producers. Three semi-structured interviews are currently being conducted this spring, likely through the fall. No preliminary results to report at this time due to a short 3-4 month timeframe for this reporting period. Final project results will contribute to an understanding of how small scale growers in rural local food systems utilize innovation to build more sustainable farming systems and effective local food system networks.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Still in process

Accomplishments/Milestones

This grant was awarded in September 2009 and this annual reporting period runs from January 2009 to December 31st, 2009 so the project was still in the early stages during this reporting period. However, many project activities were begun prior to the grant notification date. Principal accomplishments were in the establishment of contact with the research participants for this study, and in preliminary farm visits for participant observation.

During the summer of 2009, prior to grant award, the principal researcher regularly attended the Simply Homegrown farmers market in Clayton establishing relationships and rapport with the core group of sustainable farmers in this research location. Throughout the Spring, Fall and Winter of 2009 the principal researcher scheduled farm visits at approximately eight farms for participant observation. Extensive field notes were compiled following each visit. Preliminary analysis of these notes are being used to develop a series of three semi-structured interviews to be administered to each farmer in the study region. The researcher obtained digital recording equipment and audio transcription equipment during this period.

Remaining tasks for this grant include collection of interviews for approximately 7-14 farmers and additional participant observation at 10-15 farms. Total farms currently targeted for inclusion in the study is approximately 30.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Still in process