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Why Local Foods?
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Local and regional food systems are a key ingredient to ensuring economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Buying local supports the viability of local economies and helps keep family farmers farming. It also creates a connection between consumers and local farmers that enhances both individual and community health. A strong and sustainable local food system should rely on ecological principles and preserve natural resources. These systems should also provide access to people with limited income. Programs such as urban agriculture, community gardens, farmers markets and farm to school programs are making this critical connection. This section provides information, resources, and models on how farmers and consumers can actively participate in the development of local and regional food systems.
NOTE: Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Acrobat Reader.
ATTRA Publications
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Bringing Local Food to Local Institutions - IP242
PDF Price: FREE |
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• Summary • Download PDF
• Buy Print Copy
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Community Supported Agriculture - IP289
PDF Price: FREE |
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• Summary • Download PDF
• Buy Print Copy
• View Now |
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Direct Marketing - IP113
PDF Price: FREE |
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• Summary • Download PDF
• Buy Print Copy
• View Now |
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Entertainment Farming and Agri-Tourism - IP109
PDF Price: FREE |
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• Summary • Download PDF
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• View Now |
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Farmers Markets: Marketing and Business Guide - IP146
PDF Price: $1.99 for non-members |
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• Summary • Buy PDF
• Buy Print Copy
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New Markets for Your Crops - IP328
PDF Price: FREE |
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• Summary • Download PDF
• Buy Print Copy
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Selling to Restaurants - IP255
PDF Price: FREE |
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• Summary • Download PDF
• Buy Print Copy
• View Now |
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Start a Farm in the City - IP350
PDF Price: $0.95 for non-members |
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• Summary • Buy PDF
• Buy Print Copy
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Further Resources
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Food Routes
The Food Routes Network is a national nonprofit organization that provides communications tools, technical support, and information resources to organizations nationwide that are working to rebuild local, community-based food systems. |
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Slow Food USA
Members of Slow Food USA's 200 chapters work to raise public awareness, improve access and encourage the enjoyment of foods that are local, seasonal and sustainably grown. |
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Sustainable Table
Sustainable Table celebrates local sustainable food, educates consumers on food-related issues and works to build community through food. |
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The Community Food Security Coalition
Organization dedicated to building strong, sustainable, local and regional food systems that ensure access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for all people at all times. |
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USDA – Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food
A USDA-wide effort to create new economic opportunities by better connecting consumers with local producers. It is also the start of a national conversation about the importance of understanding where your food comes from and how it gets to your plate. |
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Worldwatch Institute
Worldwatch Institute's Sustainable Agriculture Program provides information, research, and resources for creating accessible food systems that benefit farmers, consumers, and ecosystems. |
For an extended list of local food resources, please visit ATTRA's Local Food Resources Section.
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This page was last updated on: April 19, 2011
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