One way to begin to build sustainable local food systems is through governments adopting local food procurement policies. Given the size and stability of government operations, government procurement policies can help support local agriculture by providing a large, stable market for producers.

This report examines the environmental, economic and social benefits of local food, showcases existing procurement policies in Italy, Britain, the United States, and Canada, and examines lessons learned in other jurisdictions. It is a preliminary review of some literature on local food initiatives.

Local Food Procurement Policies: a literature review
Prepared by Marla MacLeod and Jennifer Scott, Ecology Action Centre
For the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, May 2007