Why a Localized Food System?

Arizona, as well as other states across the country, learned about the fragility of its food system the hard way during the pandemic that disrupted supply chains and crippled distribution channels. Remember how hard it was to find certain staples like fresh produce, eggs, dairy, rice, and flour during the height of the pandemic? A localized food system - as opposed to the globally-based food system on which Arizona currently relies - is more resilient when faced with environmental challenges and global supply-chain disruptions.

Additionally, a localized food system as a whole supports the local economy rather than sending revenue out of state. It also promotes a safer food supply, offers positive environmental benefits, encourages sustainable agricultural practices, and creates a better understanding of how our food was grown. A cucumber at a grocery store has no context when it is part of a globally-based food system. But, one sold at a neighborhood farmers market as part of a local food system has a story to tell, from farm to harvest to distribution to sale.

What is a Local Food System?

*Graphic:* *Arizona Food Systems Network*

According to the University Of Delaware, “A local food system is a “collaborative network that integrates sustainable food, production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management in order to enhance the environmental, economic and social health of a particular area.” In simple terms, a localized food system is one that shortens the distance between food producers and consumers.

Before global trade routes, most communities relied on a local food system for nourishment. But, with technological advancements, like refrigerated railroad cars and interstate highway transportation, what once was perishable food, could now hold a longer shelf life and travel further distances. With these advancements, the idea of a local food system became less valued, and big box grocery stores and food distributors became the main food supplier.

Arizona residents rely on a globally-based food system. Food is grown out of state, shipped in, distributed to markets, and purchased before it makes it to the dinner table. Statistics indicate that most of the food Arizonans consume is grown outside of the state, and often outside the country, thanks to our proximity to Mexico. The Arizona Farm Bureau, citing data from researchers at the University of Arizona, noted that about 30% of agricultural food purchased by Arizona residents is grown locally.

The public's interest in understanding where their food comes from has grown even more as the global food system has become more complex. Consumers are becoming more interested in purchasing their food locally. However, despite this interest, there are still difficulties in bringing s local food system to the forefront.

Localize by Prioritizing Land

Preserving farmland is a critical first step to developing and sustaining a local food system that supports its communities and residents. Currently, U.S. farmland is being lost at a rate of 2,000 acres per day, and Arizona is leading the nation in losing farmland the fastest because of rapid urbanization and urban sprawl.

While Arizona is home to more than 19,000 farms and ranches across the state, it is also home to one of the consistently fastest growing populations in the country. Learn more about the work being done to preserve Arizona’s agricultural land – the foundation to a resilient, localized food system.

Develop Local Distribution/Retail Outlets

The popularity of farmers markets, as well as the availability of farm stands, you-pick operations, and community supported agriculture (CSA) programs are great examples of a local food system at work. But, when taken at scale, those examples reveal some of the challenges that are encountered when trying to expand them into an entire food system.

These challenges include:

Water and land availability for farmers and food producers
A lack of funding and resources for smaller producers
Inadequate infrastructure capacity for local processing
A dwindling agricultural labor force
Weak food distribution capacity across the state
Inclusivity and fair access to resources
Market development for desert-adapted crops
Access to larger retail markets
Support from government officials

Addressing Challenges to Localizing Our Food System

The Arizona Statewide Food Action Plan 2022-2024 currently underway is working to address aforementioned challenges while also incorporating how geography, affordability, accessibility, and cultural relevance influences a local food system. The action plan has identified four Priorities to reimagine and transform Arizona’s food system for the next three years among stakeholders across Arizona:

1) Food access and distribution

2) Land and water access and protection

3) Climate smart foodways

4) Agriculture workforce development

If you’re interested in participating in Arizona’s Food Action Plan, you can join a working group here.

Get Involved in Localizing Our Food System

Arizona’s food system is faced with unique climate and water challenges and is the fourth-fastest warming state in the country. The development of a resilient, equitable, and localized local food system is not only a smart move, it’s a necessary one. Here are other ways you can get involved and learn more: