Moving the region’s agriculture toward more higher-value produce and “value-added” production, such as developing new products to meet new consumer demands, is essential to making agricultural activity an economically competitive alternative to development for property owners. More efficient markets might be facilitated through stronger distribution networks, year-round outlets for local food, marketing and verification programs, and technical assistance to wholesale customers.
16) Create and strengthen marketing programs for local food
17) Expand school and institutional purchasing programs
18) Standardize labeling or verification programs for “local foods”
19) Create more infrastructure to support processing and distribution of local produce
20) Establish a Boston Public Market to provide a year-round venue for local food products