Overview

ERS conducts research on local food systems, including alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and scope, characteristics of local food consumers and producers, and early indications of local food systems’ economic and health impacts.

Marketing Practices and Financial Performance of Local Food Producers: A Comparison of Beginning and Experienced Farmers (August 2021)
This report evaluates the characteristics, production, marketing practices, and financial performance of local food producers with varying levels of farming and direct marketing experience.
Trends in U.S. Local and Regional Food Systems: A Report to Congress (January 2015)
This 2015 ERS report provides estimates on sales and farm participation in local food systems, analyses comparing prices between direct-to-consumer outlets and conventional grocery outlets, and local food farm growth and survival between 2007 and 2012.
Local Food Systems: Concepts, Impacts, and Issues (May 2010)
This comprehensive overview of local food systems explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and scope, describes the characteristics of local food consumers and producers, and examines early indications of local food systems’ economic and health impacts.

Trends, Insights, and Future Prospects for Production in Controlled Environment Agriculture and Agrivoltaics Systems U.S. Agricultural Policy Review, 2021 Trends in USDA Foods Ordered for Child Nutrition Programs Before and After Updated Nutrition Standards America's Diverse Family Farms: 2021 Edition COVID-19 Working Paper: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Food Security in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Review of the Emerging Microeconomic Literature

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Local Food Sales Continue to Grow Through a Variety of Marketing Channels Updated Food Access Research Atlas Now Maps Changes in Low-Income and Low-Supermarket Access Areas in 2019 Shopping at Farmers’ Markets and Roadside Stands Increases Fruit and Vegetable Demand Redeeming WIC Benefits at California Farmers’ Markets School Districts in the Northeast Are Most Likely To Serve Local Foods on a Daily Basis

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Food Environment Atlas Food Access Research Atlas Food Expenditure Series Quarterly Food-at-Home Price Database Fruit and Vegetable Prices

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Food Markets & Prices Food Access Food Prices, Expenditures, and Establishments Food Service Industry Retailing & Wholesaling

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