Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Sustainable table - local food systems

A food system = all the aspects of food production; the way the food is grown/ raised to the way it is harvested/ slaughtered. As well as the way the food is processed, packaged and prepared. 
Food systems can be divided into two major types: the global industrial food system and sustainable/ local food systems. 

A local food system = a method of food production and distribution which is geographically localised. Food is grown/ raises and harvested close to the consumers homes then distributed over much shorter distances. 

The difference between local and regional: 'local food' often refers to the food produced near the consumer. However there is no universally agreed definition for the two therefore it is up to the consumer to decide. 

Food distribution: the way in which food reaches the consumer varies, local food systems value a shorter distribution distance between grower/ producer and consumer. Local food systems often cut out the middlemen involved in processing. packaging. transporting and selling. 
Local food production/ distribution networks often start on smaller family farms. Farm products are transported over shorter distances. Sustainable/ local food distribution networks rely on two primary markets: direct-to-consumer and -direct-to-retail. 

Direct to consumer:

> Farmers Markets: communal spaces where multiple farmers meet and sell the produce. 

No comments:

Post a Comment