Submitted by Alastair Iles on
The San Francisco Bay Area boasts one of the most prolific expressions of the “Farm to Table” movement. A plethora of restaurants and boutique markets purchase produce directly from farms that practice some degree environmental stewardship. In turn, these food businesses sell their products at a premium, suggesting that the increased prices reflect the additional labor that goes into these craft products. While the environmental stewardship of the farms participating in Farm to Table value chains are in less dispute, little is known about the land tenure status of these food providers. Are these farmers owner-operators or renters? Are they contractors or part time workers? In a sense, it is not clear what types of farm operators participate in Farm to Table. Determining precisely who participates in the Farm to Table value chain better explains who benefits from the approach to creating a more equitable food system.
In this project, we will investigate the most prominent and successful Farm to Table restaurants and food businesses in the Bay Area. We use social research methods like content analysis and qualitative interviews to determine the demographic and land tenure status of the farms behind these businesses that use sustainable agriculture in their messaging. This research will lead to academic and other forms of publication.
The SPUR undergraduate will take a primary role in this research, collaborating with PhD Student Adam Calo to determine methodology and carry out data collection. The student will combine archival research with in person or phone interviews to determine the land tenure status and demographics of the selected farms and ranches. The student will also conduct a short literature review on the Farm to Table movement.
Familiarity with debates in Food and Environmental Justice
Familiarity with qualitative research methods
Willingness to carry out in-person or phone interviews
Desire to contribute to academic journal preparation
Experience creating literature reviews