USDA Report Shows Local Foods Market Continues to Increase
Posted: November 23, 2011
A new report from the USDA Economic Research Service concludes that the marketing of local foods in the U.S, via both direct-to-consumer and intermediated channels, grossed $4.8 billion in 2008, about four times higher than estimates based solely on direct-to-consumer sales.
Sales of local, farm-fresh produce are on the rise.
According to the study, sales of local produce through intermediated marketing channels, such as farmers' sales to local grocers and restaurants, account for a large portion of all local food sales. Most direct-to-consumer marketing is conducted by small and medium-sized farms, while large farms dominate sales through these intermediated channels. Local sales are more prominent in the Northeast and West Coast regions and areas close to urban markets.
The full report can be found here:
