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Acting Collectively To Develop Midscale Food Value Chains

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  • Lev, Larry
  • Stevenson, G. W.

Abstract

This paper uses case studies of four innovative U.S. midscale food value chains to provide models of how midsized farms and ranches and associated processing, distribution, and retail businesses can prosper by acting collectively to construct a "third tier" in the U.S. agri-food system. Specifically we consider the importance of acting collectively at three distinct levels: horizontally among producers, vertically within food value chains, and horizontally across food value chains. These midscale food value chains represent strategic alliances among midsized farms and other agri-food enterprises that operate at regional levels, handle significant volumes of high-quality, differentiated food products, and distribute profit margins equitably among the strategic partners. From a market perspective, the key advantage of these food value chains is their ability to provide these high-quality, differentiated products that are not available through the mainstream commodity market.

Suggested Citation

  • Lev, Larry & Stevenson, G. W., 2011. "Acting Collectively To Develop Midscale Food Value Chains," Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Center for Transformative Action, Cornell University, vol. 1(4).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:joafsc:359421
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Clancy, Kate & Ruhf, Kathryn, 2010. "Is Local Enough? Some Arguments for Regional Food Systems," Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm, and Resource Issues, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 25(01), pages 1-5.
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    1. Day-Farnsworth, Lindsey & Morales, Alfonso, 2011. "Satiating the Demand: Planning for Alternative Models of Regional Food Distribution," Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Center for Transformative Action, Cornell University, vol. 2(1).
    2. Meyer, Nanna & Sacchi, Giovanna & Sartori, Camilla & Fischer, Christian, 2024. "Establishing alternative grain networks: A comparison of case experiences in South Tyrol, Italy, and Colorado, United States," Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, Center for Transformative Action, Cornell University, vol. 13(3).
    3. Yuna Chiffoleau & Frédéric Wallet & Paolo Prosperi & Frédéric Collewet & Françoise Morizot-Braud, 2025. "Short food supply chains, an alternative economy for sustainable food systems: a mixed approach over time," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 13(1), pages 1-21, December.

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