Overview
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While there is no consensus about how to define "local food
systems" in terms of the geographic distance between production and
consumption, defining "local" based on marketing arrangements--such
as farmers selling directly to consumers at regional farmers'
markets or to schools--is well recognized.
ERS research on local food systems:
- explores alternative definitions of local foods,
- estimates market size and reach,
- describes characteristics of local consumers and
producers,
- examines the economic and health impacts of local food systems,
and
- studies how food environment factors--such as store/restaurant
proximity, food prices, food and nutrition assistance programs, and
community characteristics--interact to influence food choices and
diet quality.