Local food production the answer to current supply chain chaos
- Written by The Bulletin
Thanks to globalisation, most consumers have become accustomed to an interconnected food production and distribution landscape. However, recent disruptions to the food supply chain have revealed that reliance on global distribution networks may not be a sustainable option for the future, and a shift towards localisation may provide a viable alternative.
The 2020 and 2021 supply chain disruptions caused by staff shortages due to COVID-19 provide an example of how a broken link in the supply chain can have devastating consequences.
Additionally, extreme weather events such as bushfires, storms, and flooding, caused further supply chain disruptions. With climate change of ever-increasing concern, such weather anomalies may become harder to predict and more commonplace, bringing the sustainability of the current food supply chain model into question.
Localising food production and the supply process is one solution to the disruptions to mitigate food insecurity. Research reveals that farmers and other food providers could reap economic benefits from a localised food supply chain, with household food consumption in the domestic market already accounting for around two-thirds of Australia’s indicative food production.1
Food technologist and founder of The Why Meat Co., Emma White, says the recent supply chain disruptions and weather events provide a useful lesson in the importance of supporting local food businesses.
“As was demonstrated by the empty supermarket shelves in 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions and produce shortages caused by extreme weather events, it only takes one issue to disrupt a food supply chain. This is further exaggerated when the supply chain is on a global scale.
“When food production and supply is kept as local as possible, communities benefit economically from the increased employment opportunities. This also reduces the chance of extreme weather or staffing shortages that may be happening far away having such an intense impact locally,” Emma White says.
Additionally, research reveals there is strong evidence that there are social and community benefits from local food production, particularly from the operation and involvement in the local networks and systems established to market and retail local food.2 This suggests the benefits of localised production and supply of food extends beyond economic opportunities.
Emma White says beyond increasing employment opportunities when food production and supply is localised, the satisfaction of consuming a product that is produced locally while also contributing to the prevention of food insecurity is unmatched.
“There’s a sense of pride in being able to see a product on the supermarket shelf and know that it was produced in your country, in your state, or even in your suburb, and being able to see how self-sufficient your local area is. Not having to rely on support from far-reaching supply chains is a really great feeling.
“For those wanting to start shopping more locally, it doesn’t need to be complicated - it can be as simple as seeking out the ‘Australian made’ logo on food packaging or buying in-season produce. Additionally supporting Australian owned businesses really goes a long way in contributing to communities and the local economy.
“One of the greatest benefits of buying local or Australian-owned and made products is the significant reduction of carbon emissions in relation to the distance food travels to your dinner plate. Aussies need to rethink buying food from far off sources and buy local instead. This will assist in diminishing the country’s carbon footprint and preserve the clean and green environment Australia is so renowned for.
“We take this issue really seriously here at The Why Meat Co., as Aussie owned and run business, we are a member of Small Business Australia and a supporter of their Buy Local initiative. We pride ourselves on the fact we are contributing to keeping food local,” Emma White says.
The Why Meat Co. is encouraging Australians to contribute to their local supply chains by supporting Australian food businesses, and thus contribute to preventing food insecurity in Australia.
About The Why Meat Co.
Food is about bringing people together and at The Why Meat Co. they are acutely aware of not excluding others due to dietary requirements. Their vision is to see everybody coming together in social gatherings sharing not only food but also good times. The Why Meat Co’s bite sized snack portions options ensures all party goers are satisfied with a delicious plant-based party snack that will never disappoint.
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