The Feasibility of Farmer-Led Cooperatives for Southwest Florida Farm to School Procurement

Local food systems are collaborative efforts that integrate food production, processing, marketing/distribution and consumption within a given geographical area, place or community. Local food systems may also be characterized by certain market and non-market distribution channels: farm direct marketing channels including farmer's markets, community supported agriculture (CSA), farm-to-institution programs; community and home gardening; and gleaning programs.