Kimberly L. Morgan

Who Buys Food Directly from Producers in the Southeastern United States

To capitalize on potential opportunities presented by growing consumer demand for locally grown foods, farmers need insight into significant motivations and behavioral characteristics of consumers in their region. This article aims to evaluate the characteristics of southeastern urban consumers who purchased food directly from producers. Novel study findings include the impact of disease incidences that occurred in respondent and related family members, a more accurate understanding of U.S. agriculture, relatively higher levels of concern about U.S. food safety, and greater physical activity levels, which are significant motivators of increased likelihood to purchase direct from producers.

Expanding the Vision for Blueberry Extension

Cooperative Extension programs are in a state of flux as new methods of information delivery are adopted by agents, specialists, and clientele. Online methods are crucial tools as the number of Extension specialists with specialization in blueberries shrink. Therefore, increased communications to develop collaborations among Extension personnel should be a priority. The All About Blueberries (AAB) Community of Practice (CoP) launched in 2010 and was motivated by six goals: (1) to improve insect and disease identification; (2) to improve blueberry production efficiency and productivity; (3) to educate about blueberry cultivation; (4) to improve grower profit margins; (5) to hasten adoption of new innovations and technologies; and (6) to improve the safe handling of fresh produce by emphasizing the importance of food safety in the consumer section and harvesting in the grower section. The AAB portal and its 36 contributing authors represent an ideal venue to showcase nationwide blueberry consumer and producer