Tri-COG Food Ecosystem Economic Development Strategy

This is a brief guide to develop a regional food system model in an effort to drive economic development, improve food supply chain, strengthen partnership among diverse stakeholders, and enhance resilience and equity in the local food system. This guide includes background, goals, and objectives to leverage opportunities emerging from growing interest in the regional food sector. It is also a collaboration among 17 counties in North Carolina, including: Chatham, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, Warren, and Wilson.

With this tool, various stakeholders, including community-based organizations, policymakers, and government agencies, can facilitate discussion to explore the current state and issues of the food system in the region, market opportunities and barriers to economic development, and sustainable development.