The Structure and Dynamics of Community Food Systems with Reference to Food Circle in Missouri, USA

지역식량체계의 구조와 동학에 관한 연구: 미국 미주리주 Food Circle을 중심으로

While the global food system prevails in America, the community food system is also spreading rapidly. The former, which is based on industrial agriculture, has negative impacts on family farms, food safety, and community development. In contrast, the latter has positive effects on farmers, consumers, communities, and the environment. Community food systems have been able to grow successfully through the participation of farmers and consumers, support of the federal and state governments, and the initiatives of NGOs. Food Circle, upon which this study focuses, is one of the community food systems based on the regional level. It is the outcome of the green movement in Kansas City, Missouri. The goal of Food Circle in Missouri is to retain and support rural family farms by connecting them with regional consumers. Its main activity is to collect data, including a directory of farmers and their regional products, and distribute this data to regional consumers. It is informally organized and entirely self funded. Although community food systems have several problems, their development is to continue in America. The food system in Korea has become a global one in recent decades, and agricultural problems and food safety issues are being generated as a result. The development of community food systems would be helpful in resolving these problems. In order to activate community food systems in Korea as seen in America's case, it would be necessary to have the imperative participation of both farmers and consumers, the support of the central and provincial governments, and the initiatives of NGOs.