BUILDING A BIDIRECTIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN FOR FARM TO RURAL GROCERY TO WHOLESALE (F2G2W)

RESEARCH OBJECTIVESAnalyze the incentives and behaviors that lead to participation in the F2G2W supply chainConduct economic feasibility analysis for each participating sector (grocers, wholesalers, and producers) in the F2G2W supply chainDevelop and document working supply chains for multiple crops and farm products compatible with the F2G2W supply chain and implications for aggregation of crops and products to enter and travel through the F2G2W supply chain to the consumerEXTENSION OBJECTIVESCoordinate F2G2W cross-docking and bidirectional distribution among multiple producers, rural grocery stores, wholesalers, and consumers at three test sites to support supply chain researchDevelop curriculum and tools for farmers participating in the F2G2W supply chain:F2G2W supply chain curriculum will provide an overview of the model, the needed relationships and requirements to enter into the F2G2W supply chainCoordinate production for wholesale training and materials for participating farmersDevelop and lead farm food safety curriculum, specific to F2G2W, to assist farmers in meeting wholesale food safety requirements, especially for high risk cropsDisseminate research results and lessons learned through workshops, conferences, publication in peer reviewed journals, and the MISA Information Exchange