What are a few different ways that the supermarket chain could
incorporate farm-to-table principles into its operations while still
meeting consumer demands?
The supermarket can incorporate certain meats, eggs, and milk year-
round. In the spring, summer and autumn months, there will be fresh
vegetables, honey and fruit produce. At that time, the supermarket
could suggest individual farmers to freeze, can and jar any oversupply
of fruits and vegetables and store to sale after growing season to
reduce waste. This may not last but would sell more products that
are healthy to our customers, helping local farmers, and placing more
money in our communities. My management team will have a Just in
Time process to lower oversupply or undersupply and cut inventory
storage costs.
What are the benefits and risks associated with incorporating farm-
to-table principles into the grocery chain's supply chain?
The benefits are wholesome produce and meat with no GMOs, less
harmful fertilizers and pesticides, and freshness that can’t be beat.
This supports the local farmers, in turn, supports the community and
the environment by reducing carbon footprint due to less usage of
trucks bringing in supplies.
The risks include following regulations with the state of Indiana such
as the farmers holding a grower’s permit. “HBV food products must
be labeled according to IC 16-42-5-29(c)(5) – Producer’s name and
address – Common or usual name of food product – Ingredients of
food product – Net weight and volume or numerical count – Date
food product was processed – The following statement in 10-point
type: “This product is home produced and processed, and the
production area has not been inspected by the State Department of
Health (Harrison, 2017).” There is a risk of lawsuits and a risk of
consumers from produce not being at proper temperature and
between the supermarket and farmer without a contract. Oversupply
and undersupply are another challenge. There will be items that are
not in season that will need to be obtained from another supplier;
however, this will not be a problem if you do have other suppliers
which most supermarkets do business with a lot of brand names and
that would not change, even with using local growers and producers.
What data and communication with the local farms is necessary for
the supermarket to implement this endeavor?
Up-to-date licensing and permits, USDA requirements, veterinarian
updates, how the produce is raised, grown, the food it ingests, or
chemicals are used on produce, how is it stored and the
temperatures. There will need to be a legal counsel drawn up
contract drawn up between supermarket and local suppliers for the
conditions and terms of agreement, including payment and the Just
in Time process. b
What factors or metrics will determine whether you, as the COO,
support applying farm-to-table principles to the supermarket, and
why?
Human consumption safety, humane treatment of any animals that
are produced for human consumption. Proven that there is no
harmful fertilizer, chemicals, pesticides that would not classify the
products non-GMO or safe for human consumption. Legality of the
produce, process and agreement to our Just in Time process. There
must also be a profit.
References:
Harrison, L. (2017, March 8). Home Based Vendors Basics. Retrieved
on 01/27/2022 from https://www.in.gov/health/files/hbv-
presentation-3-8-2017.pdf
