Many claim the industrial food system has complicated the supply chain, adding a large variety of actors, such as wholesalers and distributors that result in weaker local food systems. Direct marketing has often been promoted as the best alternative. Although direct marketing is a good option for some, many farmers find it cumbersome as it is time consuming and drains resources in return for profits that are not guaranteed. Food value chains (FVCs) provide farmers with a third option. FVCs are a potential response to the increasing demand for differentiated food including food that is sourced locally, food that provides fair compensation to farmers and promotes environmental and social improvements. FVCs have been steadily increasing in Southern Ontario. Online distribution channels, food box programs, online meal kits, small and alternative retails and mobile markets have sprouted to meet the demand of local food while handling high volumes of quality food and aiming to build local food systems. Although some research has been done to demonstrate the benefits of FVCs on consumer satisfaction and on farmers economically, little qualitative research examining the motivations, opportunities and challenges of farmers participating in FVCs have been recorded. Utilizing phenomenology, in-depth interviews with farmers will identify reasons for participating in FVCs, their perceptions of opportunities and challenges as well as their opinions about FVCs generating social and environmental benefits of developing strong local food systems.
Sustainability of Global and Local Food Value Chains: An Empirical Comparison of Peruvian and Belgian Asparagus
