Supply chain transparency for local food

Given that the industrial food system is responsible for one third of all man-made GHG emissions (War on Want Food Sovereignty Report, 2011), we can see why consumers are increasingly keen to support local and community-based agriculture. With their aims overlapping more often that not with organic agriculture, locally based food initiatives offer consumers healthier food, give a sense of place to the food system and advance local economies whilst increasing our food security.

For this to grow, it will be important for local producers to communicate their brand effectively with other producers and consumers, and for the supply chain to be transparent through all stages. Websites such as Eggzy and Food Mapper allow shoppers to locate local producers, community farming projects and allotments; and, Local Food Systems are now trialling a new scheme in the US where entrepreneurs can develop their business ideas and position it within a local supply chain.

By locating themselves on a map and uploading their business case, new startups are able to easily locate other like-minded services and projects in their business and supply chain and can build a business ecosystem to attract investment in the area.

Importantly, this service is available to consumers, allowing them to holistically evaluate the environmental credentials of a business, thus building trust and confidence between producers, retailers and consumers.

See: http://www.localfoodsystems.org/