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Addressing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food distribution: a case study of Californian farmers? markets

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  • Susan Cholette

Abstract

American consumers? growing taste for locally produced food has resulted in the proliferation of farmers? markets in the U.S. While benefits abound, the very success of these markets has created an inefficient network; farmers drive long distances with small cargos multiple times each week. Not only does this increase costs, but on a per unit basis, the energy usage and resultant greenhouse gas emissions associated with supplying farmers? markets can be greater than those associated with the equivalent supermarket distribution. In this case study, we investigate the outbound journey of food from a farm to a farmers? market and compare it to corresponding conventional journeys, finding farmers? market distribution indeed produces greater emissions. We then model Northern California?s farmers? market network, solving a mixed integer transportation problem to quantify the aggregate distance travelled. We next insert a consolidation center. Farmers can transport goods either directly to the market or to this center for aggregation with other farmers? offerings. Solving the new model shows that significant savings are possible. While admittedly rife with implementation barriers, such a solution could allow small farmers to profit from economies of scale while still retaining their independence and preserving the diversity of the markets. We view this study as a first step towards reworking the system to enable consumers and producers alike to enjoy the benefits of farmers? markets while reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan Cholette, 2011. "Addressing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food distribution: a case study of Californian farmers? markets," Economia agro-alimentare, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 13(3), pages 145-169.
  • Handle: RePEc:fan:ecaqec:v:html10.3280/ecag2011-003009
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    Cited by:

    1. Claudia Bazzani & Maurizio Canavari, 2013. "Alternative Agri-Food Networks and Short Food Supply Chains: a review of the literature," Economia agro-alimentare, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 15(2), pages 11-34.
    2. Claudia Bazzani & Daniele Asioli & Maurizio Canavari & Elisabetta Gozzoli, 2016. "Consumer perceptions and attitudes towards Farmers' Markets: the case of a Slow Food "Earth Market"®," Economia agro-alimentare, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 18(3), pages 283-302.
    3. Bianca Polenzani & Chiara Riganelli & Andrea Marchini, 2020. "Sustainability Perception of Local Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Consumers’ Attitude: A New Italian Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-18, January.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • Q1 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics
    • R4 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics

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