Tri-COG Food Ecosystem Economic Development Strategy (FEEDS)

Abstract

The goal of the Tri-COG Food Ecosystem Economic Development Strategy (FEEDS) was to identify the infrastructure needed to shorten food supply chains, drive economic development, enhance resilient practices, foster equity, and increase rural-urban connectivity in the region served by three councils of government (COGs) in Central and Eastern North Carolina. The project brought together government, community, research, business, and foundation partners to take a regional approach to food systems-driven economic development.

The aspirational future state of the Tri-COG food system is equitable and resilient. Achieving these dual goals by regionalizing value chains presents economic and social opportunities for the region. Increasing the amount of direct-to-consumer food sales from $54 million (current) to $6.6 billion (65% of the region’s total food spending) would have a total economic impact of $10.7 billion on the Tri-COG region. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the current state of the food system

Contributor and funder organizations include Seed Change Strategies, U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), Community Food Strategies, Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments, Central Pines Regional Council, North Carolina Community Action Association, Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute, & Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust.