C-FARE Webinar Nov. 1, 2019 — Local Food Procurement: A Catalyst for Small Farm Economics

Moderator:

• Jeff O’Hara, agricultural marketing specialist at the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service

Presenters:

• Dawn Thilmany, Colorado State University

• Becca Jablonski, Colorado State University

There is growing evidence that household and commercial buyers are willing to pay a premium for local products. Families shop at farmers markets, school districts stock locally grown provisions, and restaurants curate seasonal menus in part to support the vitality of local growers. However, until now, there has not been ready research to gauge the impact of these trends. Join agricultural economists to discuss what it takes to make a successful local farm economy, weigh what effect new farming can have on rural development, and consider the impact “buy local” can have on farmers’ and ranchers’ viability.