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This assessment can serve as a model for other communities interested in joining the statewide effort to build local sustainable food systems. ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY Food system assessments have been used across the country to analyze community concerns related to food. The methodology used in this study is based on previously conducted assess- ments. Those reviewed include A Food Systems Assessment For Oakland, Ca: Toward A Sustainable Food Plan, 2006; Sowing the Seeds: The Promise of Local Food Systems in Southeast Central North Carolina, 2008; Growing Local: Expanding the Western North Carolina Food and Farm Economy, 2007; and Local food System Assessment for Northern Virginia, 2010. We designed this assessment to provide baseline data related to different segments of the system and how they function. The assessment was conducted in two phases. Phase I presented an overview of agricultural production in Cabarrus County as provided by a review of secondary data sources. Key findings from Phase I are summarized in Progress Report: Summary of Phase I Research, which was presented to the Cabarrus Board of County Commissioners in October 2010. Phase II of the Food System Assessment characterizes and synthesizes the opportunities and challenges identified by different stakeholders in Cabarrus County's food system, including farmers and food buyers within three distinct market channels: direct -to- consumer, retail, and food- service/ institutional. Data across segments of the food system was collected through a combination of focus groups and individual interviews. Information related to vegetable and beef production is included, and consumption data is included as available. An effort was also made to collect information related to existing infrastructure and the County's capacity to support processing, distribution and marketing of locally grown and raised foods. Altogether, 62 food system stakeholders were interviewed. Almost all were recommended by the County for participation. The list includes 14 producers, four individuals from the food processing sector, four working in food distribution, three engaged in serving direct markets, nine people working in restaurants, eight involved with County institutions, six from the retail /grocery market channel, four involved in emergency food assistance, three from Cabarrus cooperative extension, and seven consumers. Some stakeholders, including food processing and distribution businesses and large -scale grocery stores, are not well represented because they were difficult to engage despite repeated outreach efforts. This report includes overarching recommendations as guidance for County -wide decision making as well as targeted recommendations related to specific aspects of building the local food economy. Throughout, the issue of market access received special attention. To build a local food system, local farmers need access to markets. Ideally, they will be able to sell their products through more than one market channel, including retail, food - service, and direct -to- consumer. As the interviews summarized here show, each market channel offers different opportunities and challenges. Each presents unique requirements for producers, who need different resources to access different markets. 10 CENTER for ENVIRONMENTAL FARMING SYSTEMS Attachment number 1 1 -1 Page 624