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The Future
of Food
is Local
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Dear Friend,
Since Berkshire Agricultural Ventures’ founding in 2017, one subject has repeatedly come up across our work with Berkshire-Taconic farmers: the inefficiencies of local meat processing.
Local meat processing is one of BAV's forefront priorities. We are working on solutions for processing and supply chain issues faced by local livestock farmers in the Berkshire-Taconic region.
In our last newsletter story we included articles related to this national issue (check out our last newsletter HERE). But in case you missed it, let’s bring you up to speed.
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So what is “local meat processing"? |
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It is locally-raised livestock (think cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens) raised for meat and sold either locally or regionally. You may have a favorite livestock farmer at your neighborhood farmers market. So “local meat processing” is the process farmers go through to bring your favorite cuts of meat to you.
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In the past year local meat processing has gotten more attention. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted existing issues within the livestock supply chain and the challenges small family livestock farms face.
According to the National Farmers Union, the Covid-19 pandemic reduced pork output by 25% and beef output by 10%. Another blow to the meat processing industry happened recently with the June 2021 cyberattack on JBS industries, which knocked out 20% of the U.S. beef processing capacity. Four companies (Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef) process 85% of beef, 70% of pork, and 54% of poultry in this country.
In the Berkshire-Taconic region our local livestock farmers are limited by the same processing supply chain constrictions that producers experience at the national level. Consolidation in the livestock processing sector continues to negatively impact both producers and consumers. Supporting small locally owned abattoirs is the best way to fight that consolidation of our food supply.
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Currently, demand for local meat products exceeds supply. A 2014 survey by Sustainable Berkshires (a planning project of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission) found that 77% of consumers would buy more locally raised meat products if they could. But limitations to process meat, supply chain infrastructure, and limited marketing opportunities all discourage producers from investing in and expanding their businesses.
To address these issues Berkshire Agricultural Ventures commissioned a report with Kitchen Table Consultants (KTC), a national consulting company well-versed in agricultural systems. They spent 6 months taking a deep look at what could be done in our region to make tangible improvements for our livestock farmers. We are eager to share the full final report and BAV’s next steps in this process. Stay tuned for more information!
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Don’t just take our word for it.
We know that the true experts are the farmers whose livelihoods are stunted because of livestock processing deficits. To ensure the right measures are taken for Berkshire-Taconic livestock farmers, BAV makes the time to listen.
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Recently the BAV staff were able to visit Square Roots Farm. At Square Roots Farm we were able to see a lot of beautiful well cared for animals, and the positive impact they make on the land, and hear from owner Michael Gallagher on the challenges he’s faced over the past years.
We know that Michael’s story is sadly not unique and over the next months BAV will prioritize highlighting the voices and the stories of the region's farmers. We know that with smart planning, execution and your support, we can move forward with solutions for our community farmers.
Check out these photos of BAV’s visit to Square Roots Farm. Videos coming soon!
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We love what we do. But we can’t do this alone. We need you.
Your investment in our Revolving Loan Fund is 100% used to distribute low-interest loans (0-2%) to local farmers and food producers. That capital continues to grow and is recycled back, creating a viable and reliable stream of support for agricultural entrepreneurs.
So join us and invest in your local food community.
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Special Thanks to Our Supporters
Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Feigenbaum Foundation, Jane & Jack Fitzpatrick Trust, Josephine & Louise Crane Foundation, Geoffrey C. Hughes Foundation, The Prospect Hill Foundation, Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, The Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation, The Thompson Family Foundation, The Whitehead Foundation, and the numerous individuals who have contributed to us over the past four years.
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