Farm to Fridge: The Exploration of Postharvest Refrigeration Needs and Opportunities Among Minnesota Produce Farmers and Rural Grocery Stores

Abstract

To grow more farms and support local food systems the infrastructure needs of beginning and small/mid-size farmers warrants attention. Postharvest refrigeration is known to provide benefits to farmers, buyers, and consumers via improved food safety, longer sales windows, and reduced food waste. This research explores the feasibility of a "farm-to-fridge" model, exploring the potential for produce farmers to lease or rent existing cold storage space in rural grocery stores situated in communities with populations of less than 2,500. To fill gaps in knowledge, the cold storage and refrigeration needs of a sample of beginning and small/mid-size Minnesota produce farmers and the availability of cold storage in rural grocery stores are assessed. Cold storage is positioned within the broader context of infrastructure and critical support for local food system development through a concise overview of U.S. local food system development. Data collection methods used include a survey of 78 Minnesota produce farmers, interviews with four beginning produce farmers, and a survey of 138 rural grocery stores (located in communities with less than 2,500 people). Results show that while a desire for increased cold storage is clearly articulated by both beginning and seasoned Minnesota produce farmers, surveyed farmers and grocers were less certain about using shared cold storage space through the “farm to fridge” model due to limitations in space at the stores and logistical barriers. This research utilizes a mixed method approach and applies the framework of sustainability (or the nexus of prosperous community, economics, and environment) to analyze findings from data collection. Three themes of analysis emerged, which include the impact of refrigeration on perceived business success as it relates to 1) Social/Community: Lifestyle and Interactions with the Community, 2) Economics: Profitability of the Farm, and 3) Environment: Farm Practices and Food Waste. Recommended areas for future research and action are outlined into three categories that include changes in public funded programs, building trust between Extension and beginning and small/mid-size produce farmers, and strengthening buying relationships between produce farmers and rural grocery stores.