Social Relationships and Farm-to-Institution Initiatives: Complexity and Scale in Local Food Systems

Abstract

Farm-to-institution (FTI) initiatives have the potential to further the development of local food systems, create new markets for farmers, and increase the availability of local farm products. Yet the complexity and scale of FTI pose challenges. For many scholars and practitioners, local food systems' significance and potential for social change lie in direct relationships between producers and consumers. This article describes an empirical study that examined relationships in FTI in Michigan. Three key findings emerged. First, relationships of trust operate throughout even the large and complex local food systems we investigated. Second, linear supply chain models may neglect important components of local food systems. Third, local food relationships appear to foster creative and adaptive problem solving. Implications for further research are discussed.

Keywords:

• local food systems
• farm to institution
• social relationships
• learning supply chains

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The authors thank the many foodservice professionals, farmers, and food distributors who gave of their time and energy to make this study possible.