Local food has been the subject of Federal, State, and local government policy in recent years as consumer interest in and demand for local foods has grown. Because local foods have been linked to the full suite of USDA priorities—including enhancing the rural economy, the environment, food access and nutrition, informing consumer demand, and strengthening agricultural producers and markets—up-to-date information is critical for understanding the evolution and effects of local and regional food systems across the country.

This study by the Economic Research Service finds producer participation in local food systems is growing, and the value of local food sales, defined as the sale of food for human consumption through both direct-to-consumer (e.g., farmers’ markets) and intermediated marketing channels (e.g., sales to institutions or regional distributors), appears to be increasing.

http://www.ers.usda.gov/media/1763062/ap068_report-summary.pdf