Designing an Alternative Model for Enhancing Economic Efficiency in Rural Pork Processing and Distribution in the Northeast

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Commodities

• Animal Products: meat

Practices

• Farm Business Management: cooperatives, farm-to-institution, farm-to-restaurant
• Sustainable Communities: infrastructure analysis, local and regional food systems, partnerships

Our project aims to revolutionize the pork industry in the rural Northeast United States by collaborating with stakeholders to develop an innovative farm-to-table model. Currently, heavy reliance on a few national pork processors hampers economic efficiency and local pork delivery. Through extensive research and stakeholder engagement, we aim to establish a new, collaborative, and localized ecosystem that cuts costs, enhances quality, and improves efficiency in pork processing, production, and sales.

We will conduct interviews and surveys with stakeholders to understand their needs, capabilities, and processes, with the goal of creating a model independent of national producers. By involving pork farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers/restaurants, we aim to streamline the pork product supply chain and build alliances within communities.

The outcome will be a comprehensive farm-to-table solution for the rural Northeast, with potential nationwide applicability. Our research findings will be published for field testing and feedback, with input from industry experts and community leaders. Together, we strive to create a more sustainable and efficient pork industry, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

Objective: 

This project seeks to address the economic inefficiencies and challenges facing the pork industry in the rural Northeast United States by developing an innovative farm-to-table model. Specifically, our objectives are as follows:

1. Evaluate the current ecosystem of pork processing and distribution in the rural Northeast to identify key inefficiencies and challenges.
2. Engage with stakeholders, including pork farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers/restaurants, to understand their needs, capabilities, and operational processes.
3. Develop a collaborative and localized farm-to-table model that reduces costs, enhances quality, and improves efficiency in pork processing, production, and sales.
4. Conduct quantitative and qualitative surveys to gather data on opportunities for streamlining the pork product supply chain and fostering alliances within communities.
5. Evaluate the potential impact of the proposed farm-to-table model on economic viability, environmental sustainability, and community well-being in the rural Northeast.
6. Publish research findings and recommendations in a format accessible to farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, with the aim of providing useful information for improving the sustainability and resilience of pork farming in the region.

Anticipated Results:

By achieving these objectives, we aim to uncover insights and demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of a collaborative and localized approach to pork production and distribution. Specifically, we expect to uncover opportunities for cost savings, quality improvements, and efficiency gains in pork processing, production, and sales. Additionally, we anticipate that the proposed farm-to-table model will enhance economic viability for farmers, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen community connections within the rural Northeast. Overall, the results of this research will provide valuable information and recommendations that can support the sustainability and resilience of pork farming in the region, benefiting farmers and communities alike.