Kentucky Local Foods Resource Mapping

Interest in local and regional foods in the US has grown dramatically in recent years. The USDA and other entities make available on-line numerous maps and data sets related to local foods. Despite the abundance of resources related to local foods, AMS has concluded that key gaps remain in understanding the overall picture of what local foods systems in different states provide. There is also a sense that the many valuable existing resources are scattered and could be combined in a more central and focused manner. Beyond compiling the existing data in an easy-to-use format, however, a critical opportunity exists to add value by supplementing such a resource inventory with the on-the-ground “human capital” or expertise of faculty specialists and educators in each state, coupled with focus group input. In short, a comprehensive and visual directory of local food firms would provide a valuable public service (good). Such a directory would be supplemented with the many data sets provided by USDA to be of maximum usefulness. This is a proposal to develop detailed spatial maps of the marketing and distribution infrastructure that currently or potentially supports local food systems in six selected states. In addition, an effort will be made to identify and describe distribution networks as well as government and non-profit agencies and institutions that support local food systems development. Analysis of the data will also allow food system entrepreneurs to identify potential untapped market opportunities.