Entrepreneurs Keep Local Food Movement Fire Going
The Local Food Movement has gained monumental traction since First Lady Obama launched the White House garden and “Let’s Move.” For the past three years, communities across the United States are making local food their number one priority. Communities are using schools, non-profit organizations, and public policy to make an impact. Though many have overlooked a key to the Local Food Movement, entrepreneurs and small business owners. At the 2010 Clinton Global Initiative in Miami, Will Allen, CEO of Growing Power, stated that the beginning stages of successful economic development start with local food. This article speaks truth to the statement made by Will Allen back in 2010.
The article goes on to suggest a 190 page report “Community Food Enterprise: Local Successes in a Global Marketplace” which spotlights 24 ventures around the world that are pioneering models for local food. The examples from the report include private companies, co-ops, and nonprofits. Does not matter the form, all the enterprises are locally controlled and aim to be sustainable business operations, not dependent on grants or government subsidies. The report funded by the Gates and Kellogg Foundations highlights the role of local food businesses play in economic development; creating jobs and bringing money into the community.
Entrepreneur’s are innovators of our time and must be taken seriously. The article covers statistics regarding local farms, the barriers to ensuring local food is every communities’ norm, and links you to other relevant articles provided by Business Week. A great resource to any individual or business that is planning to incorporate local food into their innovative ideas.
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/dec2009/sb20091217_914398.htm
