The berkshire regional planning commission will establish a mobile farmers market within berkshire county building upon existing collaborative efforts to expand local food production and delivery…

The berkshire regional planning commission will establish a mobile farmers market within berkshire county building upon existing collaborative efforts to expand local food production and delivery systems. This initiative will focus on procuring fresh locally grown produce meat and eggs from berkshire area farmers to stock the mobile farmers market alongside developing and testing marketing strategies for distribution particularly in lowaccess areas. The anticipated outcome is the creation of a viable local food system that provides access to healthy food for a wide range of consumers including farmers ranchers and processors as well as bolstering directtoconsumer sales and income for producers while lowering their marketing and transaction costs. The primary beneficiaries of this project include berkshire county farmers and ranchers and a broad base of consumers throughout the county. The project will deliver a welcoming informationrich environment for consumers of all income levels facilitating access to fresh locally produced food for food insecure households and those able to pay market rate. The mobile farmers market will serve as a vital resource for the community promoting stronger social connections and a more resilient local food economy.