The Challenge

The objectives of the 2018 Local Food Business Retention & Expansion project was to strengthen the local food value chain by identifying the opportunities, desires and limitations for both producers and suppliers; creating a system-wide approach for accessing local food, supporting local food agri-businesses and enhancing food literacy.

The Scope

More than 60 Durham local food businesses participated in the BR+E surveys. These businesses spanned multiple components of the food value chain, including primary producers, distributors and wholesalers, food manufacturers, food service providers and support organizations.  Following an analysis of the aggregate survey data, two task force retreat sessions were conducted with survey participants and members of the leadership team. During these consultation sessions, participants were taken through the survey results and were able to comment on the results and implications, as well as provide further insight into the data from the research.

The Impact

Three themes were uncovered that serve as the foundation for the local food goals and action plan. They were overcoming regulatory barriers and approvals, the opportunity for increased education around local food and marketing, and the need for stronger infrastructure. In particular a lack of distribution and management systems were identified as barriers to local supply and purchasing. Businesses expressed interest in co-operative delivery systems, a food hub and a year-round farmer’s market. Producers identified poor internet primarily in rural areas as a significant barrier. A total of 42 action items were recommended.

Read the report