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demand for locally- raised beef, poultry and pork. As mentioned above, Earth Fare also sells grass -fed beef raised in North Carolina at both its Charlotte locations. Earth Fare is committed to its local grass -fed beef program, even though it faces challenges related to keeping producer volume consistent and price competitive. Farmer education, infrastructure needed to access market In order to access grocery stores, small -scale independent farmers need access to infrastructure as well as distributors who are willing to work with them. Many distribution companies that now deliver to grocery stores require farmers to have GAP certification, which can be expensive for small producers. Many Cabarrus farmers prefer to avoid the need for GAP certification if at all possible. Independently owned grocery stores are ideal markets for small -scale independent farmers. Yet in order to be successful, these stores need distributors who are willing to make deliveries scaled to their smaller size. New farmers may not be aware of which products are suitable for sale in grocery stores. "Some bring me products that are too large or too unusual for me to sell," says one store owner. `It would be good for someone to educate them about the market perspective." Farmers have expressed an interest in having a cooperative grocery store in Cabarrus County, a place to sell their produce. Others have said they are not interested in selling for wholesales prices. The County is exploring the potential for using existing spaces for local food retail and/or revitalization. Members of the Food Policy Council have traveled to look at other NC cooperative grocery stores that could serve as potential models. Summary The retail market currently offers limited potential for local farmers. Local beef producers can explore the possibility of supplying the two Charlotte Earth Fare locations through Hickory Nut Gap Meats based in Buncombe County. But local produce farmers have few options for selling in grocery stores. A consumer cooperative grocery store offers one retail outlet model, but local producers must be prepared to get wholesale prices (about 30 percent less than retail) for their products. Food Lion, a NC -based grocery store, has a history of promoting sales of food produced in North Carolina. Recommendations 1. Plan for ways to offer farmers training and technical assistance that will prepare them to scale production for this market 2. Continue to explore the consumer cooperative model as a way to provide a retail outlet that sells locally -grown food. Examples include the new Company Shops Market in Burlington and Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro. 3. Build relationships with Food Lion management. 23 Attachment number 1 1 -1 Page 258