(University of Oregon School of Law, 2014-11-20) Morath, Sarah J.
As criticism over America’s food policy has grown, many scholars have offered suggestions for reform. Complementing this body of scholarship, this Article identifies and assesses recent changes to federal laws and policies as they affect “local food” and describes local farmers’ awareness of and reaction to these changes. These changes and the farmers’ responses show greater recognition of local food by President Barack Obama and the federal government in three ways: increased inclusion of local food in legislation and policy discussions; increased awareness of the benefits of local food production and consumption; and increased consumer access to local food. But the farmers’ responses also highlight areas where improvements can be made. Specifically, farmers need to be better informed about funding opportunities, and funding opportunities need to be available to a greater number of farmers.
