Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Developing a local food system in association with business and industry

Project ID: 2002-67

Abstract

A Maquoketa partnership was created to establish a demonstration for locally produced foods with a target market of employees at local businesses and industries.

Key Question: Is it feasible for a group of farmers to market a variety of locally produced foods directly to consumers through a subscription order system that is coordinated through places of employment and a central collection and repackaging center?

Findings: In small- to medium-sized communities, it does not appear that demand for locally produced foods through subscription sales orders at places of employment will support maintaining the service. More demand exists for fresh fruits and vegetables than for shelf-stable or value-added products. In order to support a central collection and repackaging facility, a higher population base in needed to gain an economy of scale in production and demand.

Lead investigator: Warren Johnson, Limestone Bluffs Resource Conservation and Development, et al

Year of grant completion: 2005

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Initiative.

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Community-based food systems, Supply networks