Research – Phase I

Over the last two years, Local FARE has leveraged Arizona taxpayer (TRIF) funding to research primary challenges and opportunities for local food and sustainable agriculture in Northern Arizona.  Based on our findings we now propose carefully designed strategic business opportunities to rebuild attainable, profitable, and climate-friendly food systems, by catalyzing new knowledge, new social networks, and employee-owned/cooperative enterprise development.

Our 2011 Report-Phase I consisted of four interrelated projects designed to develop the local and regional food economy and related enterprises. The goal of our the Market Demand and Feasibility Study was to refine our understanding of the demand for locally sourced food by restaurants, supermarkets and grocery stores, large institutions, and farmers’ markets. The Productions Needs Assessment assessed the needs and possibilities for expansion of both regional direct market farmers, and of backyard growers. Our Infrastructure Research studied and tested optimal designs for three kinds of season extenders crucial to successful growing in the high altitude Flagstaff region. And our Greenhouse Production to Market research sought to identify key crop varieties, most effective production methods, and the customer base for greenhouse-to-market or other season extender-to-market production.

2011 PHASE 1 REPORT

Highlights from Phase 1 Report