Local Food Systems
Overview
The term "food system" refers to the interconnected processes that connect the complex spectrum of food production to food processing, consumption, and ultimately disposal. One specific definition provides that the food system "includes all processes involved in keeping us fed: growing, harvesting, processing (or transforming or changing), packaging, transporting, marketing, consuming and disposing of food and food packages." (Cornell University). The food system in the United States is predominantly characterized as a complex and globally integrated system in which products are routinely produced, processed, and hundreds and thousands of miles from the point of consumption. "Local Food Systems", as used here, is meant to denote the fact that there are a number of interrelated pieces that connect to make "local food" a component of the U.S. agricultural food system. The term "community food system" is sometimes used interchangeably with the term "local food system." Read the full overview
Note: Recently added resources are posted at the top of the applicable sections.
Major Statutes
Assistance for Community Food Projects (Competitive Grants Program) (CFPCGP), 7 U.S.C. § 2034
Farmers' Market Promotion Program, 7 U.S.C. § 3005
Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, 7 U.S.C. § 3007
School Breakfast Program, 42 U.S.C. § 1773
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, 42 U.S.C. § 1786
Regulations
of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 7 C.F.R. §§ 15.1 - 15.12
General Information and Definitions, 7 C.F.R. Part 271
Requirements for Participating State Agencies, 7 C.F.R. Part 272
Certification of Eligible Households, 7 C.F.R. Part 273
Issuance and Use of Coupons, 7 C.F.R. Part 274
Participation of Retail Food Stores, Wholesale Food Concerns and Insured Financial Institutions,
7 C.F.R. Part 278
Administrative and Judicial Review - Food Retailers and Food Wholesalers, 7 C.F.R. Part 279
Administration of the Food Stamp Program on Indian Reservations, 7 C.F.R. Part 281
Appeals of Quality Control ("QC") Claims, 7 C.F.R. Part 283
Provision of a Nutrition Assistance Grant for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 7 C.F.R. Part 285
Procedures by Which the Agricultural Marketing Service Develops, Revises, Suspends,
or Terminates Voluntary Official Grade Standards, 7 C.F.R. Part 36
Program to Assess Organic Certifying Agencies, 7 C.F.R. Part 37
Cooperative Agreements, 7 C.F.R. Part 4285
Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (Inspection, Certification, and Standards),
7 C.F.R. Part 51
Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed
Food Products, 7 C.F.R. Part 52
Agency Mission and Organization, 9 C.F.R. 300
National School Lunch Program, 7 C.F.R. Part 210
School Breakfast Program (SBP), 7 C.F.R. Part 220
Summer Food Service Program, 7 C.F.R. Part 225
State Administrative Expense Funds, 7 C.F.R. Part 235
Cash in Lieu of Donated Foods, 7 C.F.R. Part 240
Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, 7 C.F.R. Part 245
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, 7 C.F.R. Part 246
WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), 7 C.F.R. Part 248
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), 7 C.F.R. Part 249
Under Its Jurisdiction, 7 C.F.R. Part 250
Case Law
Note: Recently summarized cases are listed and linked in Recent Postings.
Administrative Law Decisions
Center Research Publications
Industry Professionals (Jillian)
Congressional Research Service Reports
Farm Bills
Food Security/Aid
Commodities
Reference Resources
Publication: Farmers Market Consortium Resource Guide
Dairy Program
Fruit and Vegetable Programs
Fresh Product Grading and Quality Certification: Fresh Produce Audit Verification System
Livestock and Seed Program
Transportation and Marketing
Farmers Market Promotion Program
The National Organic Program
Federal State Marketing Improvement Program
Publication: How to Establish a Farmers' Market on Federal Property
Publication: How Local Farmers and School Food Service Buyers Are Building Alliances
National Research Program: Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems
National Research Program: Crop Production and Protection
Animal Health
Plant Health
Agriculture and Food Biosecurity
Agricultural Systems
Animals and Animal Products
Economics and Commerce
Food, Nutrition, & Health
Pest Management
Plants & Plant Products
Publication: The National School Lunch Program Background, Trends, and Issues (2008)
Briefing Room: Child Nutrition Programs
Briefing Room: Dairy
Briefing Room: Farm and Commodity Policy: Basics of U.S. Agricultural Policy
Briefing Room: Food Assistance and Nutrition Program Outcomes
Briefing Room: Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs
Briefing Room: Food Stamp Program
Briefing Room: Land Use, Value, and Management
Briefing Room: Organic Agriculture
Briefing Room: Vegetables and Melons
Briefing Room: The WIC Program
Publication: Organic Produce, Price Premiums, and Eco-Labeling in U.S. Farmers' Markets
WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Food Stamp Program
Farmers' Market EBT Projects
National School Lunch Program
School Breakfast Program
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
Regulations & Policies - State Inspection Programs
Alternative Marketing and Business Practices
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
CSA Resources for Farmers
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
Food and Nutrition Information Center
State Profiles
Publication: Local-based, Alternative Marketing Strategy Could Help Save More Small Farms
Publication: Co-op Development Action
Publication: Plymouth, NH AG Producers Benefit From Unique Marketing Program
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
Western Region SARE
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas - National Sustainable Agriculture Information
Service ATTRA-NCAT)
Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
Food Safety and Raw Milk
Grade "A" Pasteurized Milk Ordinance
Direct Marketing Agreement (FLAG, 2005)
Law Center, 2003)
(W.W. Norton & Company 2004)
New Agriculture, 7 Drake J. Agric. L. 407 (2002)