Puget Sound Food Network

PUGET SOUND FOOD NETWORK

There are a number of barriers that prevent farms from accessing new market opportunities presented by the growing number of consumers desiring to source local farm products. These barriers include lack of knowledge about how to access market opportunities, lack of effective communication between buyers and sellers, and the absence of processing, packaging and storage facilities.  

NABC is working with other organizations and agencies to create a network to connect local producers with markets. This network will connect producers to markets; build relationships between the program and potential purchasers of local food products; and provide a web-based communication system.

Services that will be provided by the network include:

- Facilitate participation by retailers, restaurants, institutional buyers, distributors and other potential customers in the program.

- Helping to reduce overhead expenses between purchasers and producers.

- Training and education about business practices and terms to support product development.

- Evaluation of startup size and financial capabilities of producers to match the appropriate market opportunity.

- Assistance in product development and evaluation to ensure products are competitive in the marketplace.