Abstract

As the agriculture and food system in the U.S. continues to come under the control of large national and multinational corporations, family farmers, small businesses, and rural communities must find new ways to sustain themselves economically.

Issue

Family farmers, small businesses, and rural communities are losing their ability to sustain themselves economically. Economic decline and rural depopulation are issues that must be dealt with.

Response

Building on a community problem-solving model of economic development, we are developing a toolbox of innovative and concrete activities. These activities are designed to strengthen local economies, provide family farmers with real alternatives, and engage community members in building sustainable social and economic systems. Examples include technical support to establish farmers' markets, encourage small-scale food processing businesses, and facilitate direct marketing outlets for small farms.

Impact

Throughout New York State and the Northeast, the number of farmers who directly market food products to the public has increased greatly over the past 10 years. In New York alone, one in seven farmers now sells directly to the public. The number of farmers' markets, community-supported farms, and small-scale food processors has also increased.

Funding Sources

• Other USDA (e.g., Water Quality, Special Grants, NRI)
• Federal Formula Funds - Research (e.g., Hatch, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health)
• CALS Dean's funds

Collaborators

• Community Food Systems
• Small Farms

Key Personnel

• N/A