Reducing Barriers to Entry for the Direct Sales of Local Foods in Ohio
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Date
2018-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement
Abstract
Ohio ranks in the top 10 states for direct farm sales. When making direct sales, growers and marketers are voicing concerns regarding barriers to entry. In most cases, this relates to the sales of eggs, meats and cottage foods. Current laws, rules and interpretations vary significantly. Growers in one county face steeper costs for licensing and equipment than others. Several colleges at Ohio State partnered to combat the issues. Four themes were identified as a result of the project. These include: 1) confusion about regulations and oversight that needs to be addressed; 2) issues relating to food safety direct marketing sites; 3) education is needed, possibly in a one-stop shop location for producers; and 4) the need for a farmers' market manager certification to address other issues. This poster will share the project's findings to address the issues and possible changes which could help reduce barriers to entry for Ohio's growers and marketers.
Description
According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture, Ohio ranks in the top 10 states for direct farm sales. Other signs of growth include an increasing number of farm markets, farmers' markets, wineries, produce auctions, and chef grower networks. The growth of grower conferences such as the Mid-Ohio Growers, the Southwest Ohio Vegetable Conference and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association (OEFFA) shows growers are interested in growing and providing local foods throughout Ohio. When making direct sales, Ohio growers and marketers are voicing concerns regarding the barriers to entry they face. In most cases, this relates to the sales of eggs, meats and cottage foods at farm markets, farmers' markets and other retail locations. Current laws, rules and interpretations vary significantly. Growers in one county face steeper costs for licensing and equipment than others. Some aspects of these laws are not up-to-date with food safety research. To combat this issue and to make a level playing field, OSU Extension partnered with the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Together, they completing a multi-faceted project to gain insight into the rules and regulations affecting farm direct marketers in Ohio. The team conducted literature reviews in the areas of barriers in other states and food safety concerns relating to the sales of local foods. A chart was developed to show the top direct marketing states in the United States and Ohio to give a side-by-side comparison of laws and regulations to gain a better understanding of how Ohio compares to similar states. A comparative analysis was used to compare the available information for producers regarding the implementation of the laws and rules of each state. Additionally, listening sessions were held across Ohio, and surveys were conducted of both farmers' market managers and health department sanitarians to gain insight into current processes and potential improvements. Four themes were identified as a result of the project. These themes include: 1) The confusion about regulations and oversight needs to be addressed by the state and partnering agencies/groups; 2) Issues relating to food safety need to be addressed at farmers' markets; 3) Education is needed, possibly in a one-stop-shop location for producers to go for information; and 4) Ohio should consider a farmers' market manager certification to address other issues. Initial work to reducing the barriers outlined in the report include addressing the need for educational resources. The team published a direct marketing eggs fact sheet, a law bulletin about selling food foods at the farm, and has plans more fact sheets. The project's findings are being shared with this and other groups to address the issues and possible changes which could help reduce barriers to entry for Ohio's growers and marketers.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Eric Barrett, Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, barrett.90@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Peggy Hall, Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University Extension; Emily Adams, Educator, The Ohio State University Extension.
AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Eric Barrett, Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, barrett.90@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Peggy Hall, Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University Extension; Emily Adams, Educator, The Ohio State University Extension.
Keywords
local food, marketing, policy, farm
Citation
Engaged Scholars, v. 6 (2018).