Distribution Software Fills Local Food Gap
APRIL 26, 2007
After two years of talking to farmers and local food providers, I have come to believe that distribution is one of the biggest stumbling blocks facing the local foods movement. Now, like a prescient Silicon Valley guru, Om Organics of San Francisco is stepping into the breach with--you guessed it, software.
Now that demand for local food is surging, small farmers are having a hard time keeping up; they are often too busy farming to market themselves. Or, more to the point: "This way, Whole Foods doesn't have to talk to farmers one by one," says Melanie Cheng, Om's director. Same goes for Safeway, or Walmart. The revolution may in fact be digitized.
The software promises to add fuel efficiencies into the local food system, as farmers could pool their deliveries in larger trucks--good for both the environment and consumers. Trials will be held in May first in San Francisco, Marin County, and New York City. -ADS
