Food System Economic Partnership

The quality of our food supply, the sustainability of agricultural production, and the strength of our regional economy are all related. Unfortunately, there persists a false perception that the interests of urban and rural communities are not compatible. FSEP is confronting this perception and advancing opportunities in response to disturbing trends and consequences of the current food system, including:

• Eroding infrastructure and connections between farms and communities/markets
• Dwindling supply of local farm products to regional markets and food banks
• Conventional market channels are presenting obstacles to farmers and threaten the next generation of farmers
• Loss of farmland that coincides with a rise in sprawling development
• Dramatic rise in food-related health problems and “food deserts” where urban neighborhoods have poor access to healthy foods
• Urban neighborhoods are struggling to provide viable work opportunities and maintain healthy environments for people and their families