The Local Food Network Project

This project will commence with a trial focusing in The Bega Valley Shire. It consists of leveraging off two existing Austcom projects and a local NFP food co-op.

The project recognises;

• the disparity between the large amounts of potential producers and the unfulfilled demand for local produce.
• the inability for many growers to sell an entire harvest within the shelf life of the product locally due to insufficient demand.
• the inability for growers to provide consistent supply year round.
• that many growers are too small to cover transportation costs to distant markets where they could sell large quantities in one transaction.
• that little promotion has been done to increase demand for local product.
• that little information is available on which producers can base their choice of crops and quantities.

The following information will be sort from this trial;

• Can local growers, community gardens and/or CSA plans increase quantities and consistency of supply. If so with which crops ?
• Can demand be cost effectively increased with promotion and to what extent ?
• Can promotion temporarily increase demand for a fresh food product when it is in season ?
• Will providing potential and existing growers with information about demand result in more effective choices of crops and quantities to plant or sow thereby resulting in a better match between supply and demand ?
• Can local produce be supplied with more convenience to customer at acceptable prices.
• Can existing local transport resources be utilised to distribute product to bring down costs, increase convenience and/or reduce food miles ?

• The Food Security Team within the Transition Towns Network.
• The Sapphire Coast Producers Association.
• Individual growers.
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
• Community garden participants.
• Fresh Food retailers including restaurants.
• Existing transport systems such as; Community and Commercial Bus services, Meals On Wheels, Retailers, Couriers, individuals.
• Austcom
• Fresh food consumers.
• Government bodies.