This study analyzes the distribution system of fresh fruits and vegetables used by Brazilian population in Massachusetts, which is estimated to be over 250,000. Maxixe (Cucumis anguria) and abóbora híbrida (Cucurbita spp.), vegetable crops popular among Brazilians were used as test crops to better understand the distribution system and to assess the most efficient way for local farmers to enter into the marketplace with their fresh produce. In person interviews with Brazilian consumers, and test marketing were used in this research to evaluate sales potential and pricing levels for abóbora híbrida produced in Massachusetts. The squash was sold at four locations during two weeks at specific pricing levels and results showed good sales potential for this crop. Yields and production practices were evaluated at the UMass Research Farm to test productivity and adaptability of this squash in local climate conditions. Results of this pilot study also underscored the importance of local farmers understanding the role of cultural characteristics of the Brazilian community in the United States, especially with regard to language and media, in order to fully capitalize on this market.

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This thesis considers Central Florida's emerging local food movement from an anthropological perspective. Area farmers and organizations spearheading this movement and the benefits of purchasing and consuming locally grown food are ethnographically explored. Interviews with natural and organic farmers highlight the challenges affected farmers face in creating a sustainable local food movement in the greater Orlando region. Their motivations for farming organically and the counter-hegemonic tendencies inherent in this mode of cultivating are critically analyzed. Taken as a whole, this work addresses the limitations and opportunities afforded to farmers amid the popularity of local food consumption as a social movement. The farmers interviewed for this project are new to producing food for local consumption. They all share an interest in promoting financial and environmental sustainability for small farms. Key challenges they face include those grounded in access to arable land and agricultural policies that disproportionately favor large-scale producers. This research has significant implications for both those organizations and individuals building sustainable local food movements and those in local, state, and national government developing agricultural policy.

Purpose of this study is to holistically analyze existing linkages between Aruba’s tourism industry, restaurants and local farmers, by examining strategies that constrain the development of linkages between these stakeholders. Previous research indicated that tourism development is often accompanied with increased demand for imported food, which results in foreign exchange leakages, inflation and competition with local production. This phenomenon is very common in the Caribbean, where Aruba, with its heavy reliance on imported goods and services, is no exception to this occurrence. To comprehend potential problems associated with linking both sectors, these in-depth case study addresses three fundamental questions: a) what is the structure of supply and demand of food for the tourism industry of Aruba?, and b) what factors constrain the development of linkages between international tourism and Aruba’s local agriculture? Using an exploratory and stochastic methodological approach, data will be obtained from structured surveys from three different stakeholders in the food supply chain of Aruba. Anticipated findings illustrate that the existing linkage between the tourism industry and agriculture in Aruba is still weak, yet the food consumption and preferences by tourists can contribute in enhancing an ecogastronomic tourism supply chain.