New England Food Policy: Building a Sustainable Food System | NESAWG

Conservation, Farming, Food Safety, Food Systems, Land Use, Marketing, Supply Chains, Waste Recovery

American Farmland Trust, Conservation Law Foundation, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group

This report contributes to efforts across New England to promote a more regionally focused, healthier, economically vibrant, resilient, just and environmentally sustainable food system for New England. It reflects the collaborative work of three partners: American Farmland Trust (AFT); Conservation Law Foundation (CLF); and Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG). As co-leaders of a two-year New England regional food system policy project, AFT, CLF and NESAWG analyzed policy barriers and gaps around increasing production and consumption of New England-sourced food consistent with the New England Food Vision.

This analysis, along with policy suggestions, is presented here. It constitutes the first phase of the project. Its purpose is to provide groups and advocates with information, support and inspiration to promote local, state, regional and federal policy changes that could have the most significant impact on expanding production, strengthening food supply chains and enhancing multi-state cooperation toward a more robust and resilient regional food system.