Local food systems and civil society: Examining the civic engagement of farmers

• In Event: 3146 - Regular Session on Rural Sociology

Abstract

From Goldschmidt to Lyson and contemporary authors, locally owned businesses and local food systems have been lauded for their potential to strengthen rural communities. In particular, it has often been suggested that farmers involved in local food systems may make civic engagement a priority for both instrumental and altruistic reasons. Yet to date no large-scale survey has been conducted to answer the question: Are farmers who participate in local food systems more active in and involved with civil society than farmers whose livelihood is not tied to the vitality of local markets? I address this gap in the literature by using data from an original survey of specialty crop growers. I find that farmers who participate in local food systems through “mediated” channels, including food hubs and farm-to-school programs, both attach greater importance to civic engagement and are significantly more likely to actively participate in farm and agriculture organizations. Perhaps surprisingly, however, farmers who sell local food directly to consumers do not attach greater importance to civic engagement or exhibit higher levels of involvement with civil society groups. These findings offer qualified support for arguments connecting robust local food systems to civic engagement and a resilient civil society.

Author

• Ethan D. Schoolman, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey