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Wholesale produce auctions and regional food systems: The case of Seneca produce auction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 March 2018

Judson Reid ,
Derek Simmonds  and
Elizabeth Newbold
Judson Reid*
Affiliation:
Cornell University Cooperative Extension, 417 Liberty St, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA
Derek Simmonds
Affiliation:
Cornell Cooperative Extension Seneca County, 9 E Main St #308, Waterloo, NY 13165, USA
Elizabeth Newbold
Affiliation:
Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety, University of Vermont Extension, P.O. Box 559, Bennington, VT 05201, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Judson Reid, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Produce auctions are local aggregation points that facilitate access for small-scale fruit, flower and vegetable farmers to wholesale buyers from a broader geography. Buyers purchase lots from multiple farmers to fulfill wholesale demand and then retail the product to the consumers. Sales are held multiple times per week to create a consistent supply for buyers and a regular market for the farmers. With over 70 produce auctions located in eastern North America, this is a growing trend of intermediated markets. Currently, there are six active produce auctions in New York State, with two more in planning stages. Produce auctions have a positive economic impact on the communities in which they are located, as well as on those who sell and/or buy at the auction. Community values inherent to these populations contribute to the success of produce auctions as an intermediated market. As the auction market channel continues to grow, buyer and consumer education on the benefits of local auctions is important. As these auctions are based in horse-and-buggy communities, extension education needs to be tailored to Amish and Mennonite populations. Auction houses, as well as farmers, will need to stay current with federal food safety regulations and market-based requirements to remain competitive.

Keywords

Amishlocal producemarketingMennoniteproduce auctionwholesale
Type
Themed Content: Intermediated Marketing Channels in Regional Food Systems
Information
Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems , Volume 34 , Special Issue 3: Themed Content: Intermediated Marketing Channels in Regional Food Systems , June 2019 , pp. 259 - 267
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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