A SERVICE-ORIENTED LOCAL FOOD VALUE CHAIN FOR SMALL FARMS: ALIGNING SMALL FARMS, FOOD SERVICES, AND CONSUMERS

This project proposes to strengthen and align the small farm-restaurant-consumer value chain to improve small farms' profitability and promote regional economic development, adapting a service-dominant logic framework in the context of the local food value chain. The long-term goals of this proposed project are:1. To understand how the service-dominant logic framework can be adapted and applied to promote intersectoral linkages among small farms, restaurants, and consumers in local food value chains.2. To identify and explain constraints, barriers, and opportunities in sourcing local foods in the restaurant industry to enhance the financial sustainability and stability of small farms.3. To build a long-term Extension program that offers training and education for small farmers and restaurants to leverage the farm-to-restaurant model to promote local food systems.