Use of local markets by organic producers

Labels can convey information about the production and distribution of food, particularly for organic food and local food. The organic label addresses how food is produced, processed and distributed while the local label provides information about the distance between production and point of sale. The body of anecdotal evidence indicates there is a high level of interest in local food markets, and that organic farmers in particular use local markets at a fairly high rate. For many years, lack of data prevented researchers from advancing the discussion beyond this point. Marketing agricultural products is challenging, but when the products are organic the marketing process embodies several other critical elements that are unique to organic products. For example, one issue faced by organic farmers is the ability to sell all of their farm products raised on certified organic farmland in the organic market.