Market Access for Local Food through the Conventional Food Supply Chain

The paper examines relationships and linkages between the conventional supply chain actors (wholesalers and retailers) and local food producers based on a study conducted in Southeast Michigan. A case study approach was employed to examine chain actors’ operations and to explore their roles, experiences and perceptions about local foods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the owners and managers of eleven retailers and six wholesalers. The study found differences in local food perceptions, buying experiences and perceived benefits and risks associated with local food sourcing activities. The study also identified some competition between local independent food retailers and alternative market outlets. The major implication of the findings is that producers need to provide additional market services and develop trust-based relationships with their buyers to create better market access for local foods.local food, supply chain, buying local, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Consumer/Household Economics, Demand and Price Analysis, Financial Economics,

E-COMMERCE AND INTERNET USE IN SMALL BUSINESSES: TRENDS AND ISSUES

This paper is part of a series of reports of the activities conducted under a grant from the Fund for Rural America, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Funds for the grant entitled "Enhancing Rural Economies Through Comprehensive Extension, Research & Partnering Approaches Using Multi-County Clusters in Michigan With Application to National Rural Settings" were received by Michigan State University's Department of Agricultural Economics in March, 1998. The major goal of the grant is to increase economic development activity in four clusters of rural counties in Michigan through the utilization of the resources of the Michigan State University Extension Service, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, and other resources of Michigan State University. Various local, state, and federal public partners as well as the private sector are co-sponsors of projects in the counties. This paper focuses on E-commerce issues and applications for small businesses and communities providing information on recent developments of E-commerce businesses and approaches to successes in Internet marketing. Details of the paper rely on materials used for E-commerce training programs co-sponsored by the project, responses from businesses participated in the training and review of available digital economic and business literature that highlights key elements and benefits of E-commerce to small businesses.Agribusiness, Marketing,

RETENTION AND EXPANSION ISSUES AND CONCERNS OF RURAL BUSINESSES: SOME FINDINGS FROM SURVEYS IN THE WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN

This paper is part of a series of reports of the activities conducted under a grant from the Fund for Rural America, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Funds for the grant entitled "Enhancing Rural Economies Through Comprehensive Extension, Research & Partnering Approaches Using Multi-County Clusters in Michigan With Application to National Rural Settings" were received by Michigan State University's Department of Agricultural Economics in March, 1998. The major goal of the grant is to increase economic development activity in four clusters of rural counties in Michigan through the utilization of the resources of the Michigan State University Extension Service, Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, and other resources of Michigan State University. Various local, state, and federal public partners as well as the private sector are co-sponsors of projects in the counties. This paper focuses on Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) programs that have been conducted in the Western Upper Peninsula (WUP) of Michigan. The paper highlights and assesses major achievements and performances of the programs with respect to identifying issues, problems, and opportunities impacting the local economies. The data include information from BR&E visitation programs supported by the project and two other surveys in the WUP region.Community/Rural/Urban Development,