Economic Theme

The University of Vermont has chosen Food Systems as one of its Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives. The stated vision of the initiative is to develop solutions to pressing problems in food systems through world-class transdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach dedicated to improving economic, ecological and human well-being.

Why economic?  The economic theme focuses on markets and supply chains – and how regional models can positively and sustainably impact local, regional, national and global economies.

Why Vermont?  There is broad interest in re-localizing Vermont’s food economy. We support a working landscape. As a result, food is a significant economic engine: 20 percent of private jobs and 31 percent of private business establishments involve the production, processing, distribution, sales or infrastructure of food.

Why UVM?  Actualizing such a system requires an interdisciplinary team of faculty scholars with expertise in a broad range of food systems topics, including regional agrarian culinary history, product development and production efficiency, food pathogens and food safety, alternative regulatory and policy mechanisms, and processing and distribution channels to facilitate the emergence of new enterprises that exemplify viable regional food chains. Food scientists, anthropologists, economists, land use planners, policy specialists, engineers and agronomists at UVM are collaborating with local stakeholders, such as Hardwick’s Center for an Agricultural Economy, the Vermont Cheese Council and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to study the best methods of re-localizing the food system.

Economic Themed Posts

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