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Presents the results of a study to examine the status of small farms in the U.S. and to determine a course of action for USDA to recognize, respect and respond to their needs through changes in policies, practices, and programmatic approaches. These needs include: conservation assistance or risk management, business planning for a farmers market or farmer-owned cop, and market development for new crops or products. In addition to examining the characteristics of a small farm and presenting guiding principles for Federal farm policy, the report discusses in detail eight specific policy goals and recommendations. Charts and tables. Photos.
This comprehensive overview of local food systems explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and reach, describes the characteristics of local consumers and producers, and examines early indications of the economic and health impacts of local food systems. Defining ¿local¿ based on marketing arrangements, such as farmers selling directly to consumers at regional farmers¿ markets or to schools, is well recognized. Statistics suggest that local food markets account for a small, but growing, share of U.S. agricultural production. For smaller farms, direct marketing to consumers accounts for a higher percentage of their sales than for larger farms. Charts and tables.