System Approach for Evaluating Locally Grown Produce Issues
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The potential advantages of locally grown produce are mainly related to the coexistence of production
and consumption in the same area. These advantages are: reduced transportation, freshness,
better taste, easy traceability, transparency, food safety, environmental sustainability and
community development. Despite these positive aspects, the money spent for locally grown produce
represents only a small percentage of the total money spent for fresh produce purchases.
On the other hand, interest is growing for furnishing produce to local produce schools, hospitals
and public institutions. The supply chains of locally grown produce are classified into direct
marketing distributions (farmers’ markets, CSAs, roadside stands, on-farm stores) and indirect
marketing distributions (restaurants, foodservices, supermarkets). Each supply chain is characterized
by different factors, including the expectations of customers which, coincidentally, drive
logistics and postharvest handling activities. The supply chains and the logistics of locally
grown produce are described, with the analysis of potential benefits and barriers to expansion,
using the system approach technique.