The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health and social distancing mandates caused unprecedented shifts and disruptions for Local and Regional Food Systems (LRFS). Impacts on farm enterprises, value chain stakeholders, market channels, and food system infrastructure are both vast and varied, and require rapid adaptation by all involved. The pandemic has also brought new and heightened attention to our food system, and LRFS may be positioned to significantly increase the scope and scale of their market reach as a result.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) along with the cooperating research team led by the University of Kentucky seek to enrich existing efforts within LRFS communities of practice who provide essential support to our nation’s local food producers. During this moment of simultaneous disruption and rapid innovation, our project supports LRFS communities of practice by documenting and disseminating innovations and best practices developed on the ground and drawing on LRFS thought leaders to frame research on COVID-related shifts in LRFS markets with the aim of supporting long term resilience.
Upcoming Webinars
October 19th
1pm EST
Marketing Innovations When Communities Eat at Home
Featuring:
National Farm To School Network, Wallace Center At Winrock International and Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network
National Farm To School Network, Wallace Center At Winrock International and Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network
Join us on the 3rd Monday of each month for a facilitated cross-sectoral discussion on topics including customer retention and engagement, emergency food, cooperative business models, state policies and consumer behavior.
November 16, 2020 – 1pm EST – Retaining and Engaging New Local Customers: Ensuring that New Customers are Here to Stay
December 21, 2020 – 1pm EST – Emergency Food, Charity, and the Local Food System
January 25, 2021 – 1pm EST – Innovations in State Policy and Implications for Local Food Stakeholders
February 15, 2021 – 1pm EST – The Cooperative Model: Formal and Informal Structures
March 15, 2021 – 1pm EST – How to Use the Consumer Survey Results
April 19, 2021– 1pm EST – Inter-Sectoral Innovations in the Local Food System
May 17, 2021 – 1pm EST – Next Steps to Support the Local Food System
Our Partner Networks
(Click on logo for partner profile and resources)
