Values-Based Supply Chains as a Strategy for Supporting Small and Mid-Scale Producers in the United States

Gail Feenstra and Shermain Hardesty
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Gail Feenstra: Deputy Director at the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
Shermain Hardesty: Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and UC Small Farm Progam, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA

Agriculture, 2016, vol. 6, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Consumers are increasingly interested in the “values” associated with the food they eat and are often willing to pay more for food for which there is a “story” that links farm to fork. The “values” associated with these foods may be that they are locally produced, by small or mid-scale farms, or use production practices that enhance the environment. Wholesale channels that provide marketing options for small and mid-scale producers and support these values are referred to as “values-based supply chains” (VBSCs). Goals of VBSCs are to: (1) provide greater economic stability for producers and others along the supply chain; and (2) provide high quality, regional food to consumers. After a brief overview of VBSCs, we then describe three cases—a specialty food manufacturer, a natural food cooperative and a regional “food hub”—representing different entry points along the food supply chain. We analyze them regarding the common benefits of VBSCs: transparency, fair prices to farmers and ease of purchasing from small and mid-scale producers. We conclude with common themes that emerge for VBSCs of the future and what it will take to strengthen them within regional food systems.

Keywords: specialty foods; values-based supply chains; small scale farms; mid-scale farms; agriculture of the middle; values-based marketing; local foods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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