Locavores - people who prefer to eat locally grown and produced food now have a great web resource to help them find the nearest farms and farmers' markets for fresh, tastier and more nutritious foods. Local Harvests has a map which shows the locations. They also offers an online service to order any food from a specific producer.
Selecting local produce, whether organic or not, is an increasingly attractive alternative to industrial scale food processing and distribution systems for it offers the consumer a chance to choose how their food is produced and a say in the quality of the food they buy.
Local food buys are fresher than anything you get at the local supermarket because it comes directly from the producer and hasn't been spending time in a distribution warehouse. Buying local produce can also reduce the amount of energy used simply to move food around the country.
There is only one problem with this website - it only covers the US. Lucky them.
Local Fresh Food Locator
Local Harvest
Trend Themes
1. Rise in Locavore Movement - Opportunity for businesses to create platforms that connect consumers with local food sources in other countries.
2. Demand for Transparent Food Supply Chains - Opportunity for companies to develop technologies that provide consumers with information about the source and quality of their food.
3. Growth of Online Food Ordering - Opportunity for businesses to create online platforms that allow consumers to order food directly from specific producers.
Industry Implications
1. Foodtech - Opportunity for companies to develop innovative solutions that connect consumers with local food sources.
2. Agriculture - Opportunity for farmers and producers to tap into the locavore market by providing fresh and locally sourced food.
3. E-commerce - Opportunity for online platforms to expand their services to include direct ordering of food from specific producers.