Factors Affecting Small Colorado Producers' Local Food Sales

Increased globalization of food trade has dramatically increased "food miles," the distance food travels. The impacts of food miles on the environment, biodiversity, food security, and farmers' livelihoods are garnering increasing attention, but market forces affecting a lessening of food miles are little studied. This project examined previous literature; direct, local fresh produce operations; and producer insights to develop recommendations for increasing locally produced food. Producer size, product perishability, proximity to a population center, consumer perceptions, and producer philosophy influenced where Colorado growers sell. Growers suggested increased quality standards, marketing, and consumer education to increase the demand for local foods.