The 2010 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
The objectives of this colloquium are: 1. To describe local food systems and programs being used to promote local foods. 2. To discuss the impacts local food production can have in local and rural economies and the value of local foods, both financially and socially, to people and communities 3. To discuss the sustainability of local foods and address issues of economic, environmental and social impacts of local foods. 4. To identify knowledge gaps and key questions related to local foods to be studied and resolved 5. To stimulate discussion that leads to action by ASHS members in the area of local/regional food production, marketing, and assessments.

Local foods have been increasing in interest both among consumers and among retail marketing organizations.  The importance of local foods to local economies and consumers has been topics of popular press and media.  However, the vast majority of the food supply in the US comes from industrial production centers.  The development of local/regional food production is an opportunity as well as a challenge for small and medium scale specialty crop producers and is a chance to expand the agricultural production and consumption of specialty crops.  In order for ASHS members to be able to address the challenges and opportunities through research, education, and outreach, members must be informed of the advantages and disadvantages or local foods.