Jordan Strater

Jordan Strater
Advisor: John Halstead
Email: jps1005@wildcats.unh.edu

Natural Resources: General M.S.

Research Topic: Factors Affecting Purchase of Locally Grown Produce: A Case Study of New Hampshire Markets

There has been a recent focus on expanding local agriculture production in New Hampshire, however, more research is needed on the local consumption of these goods. If the supply of locally grown food increases, the demand for it must increase as well to keep the products within the state. This research will identify significant factors that determine whether consumers choose to purchase locally grown produce and what factors may prohibit them from doing so. Examples of potential factors include consumer income, family size, or geographic location. This work is being competed using two data methods: qualitative analysis and statistical modeling. These will be done in the form of focus groups, a dichotomous choice survey, and logit modeling.

Results from this work will be able to determine the percentage change a specific factor has on the likelihood that a consumer will choose to purchase locally grown produce. There is great interest in local agriculture within the state, and this research will be a valuable contribution to understanding the state’s local agriculture market.