With funding from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG) and the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative (MAFSC) conducted a supply chain mapping assessment to understand how MDAR could best leverage Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) funds to strengthen the middle of the local food supply chain in Massachusetts.

ERG and MAFSC conducted a literature review and stakeholder outreach (7 focus groups and interviews of 15 stakeholders across the middle of the supply chain) with the goal of better understanding where a tool or a resource could improve coordination and increase efficiency in the mid-supply chain.

ERG and MAFSC made the following recommendations:

  1. Continue to develop the repository of existing mid-supply chain assets;
  2. Update and market MassGrown Exchange;
  3. Hire a third party convener to host regular coordination meetings, and;
  4. Commit MDAR staff time for mid-supply chain coordination.

For more information see the full report. 

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