The direct route of agricultural goods from producers to consumers, bypassing traditional distribution channels, represents a significant shift in the food industry. This approach allows for fresher produce and increased revenue potential for farmers, while offering consumers direct access to locally sourced products. An example is a farmer who sells their freshly harvested vegetables directly at a community market, rather than shipping them to a large distribution center.
Circumventing the conventional supply chain enhances transparency, fosters community connections, and supports local economies. Historically, food systems were largely regional, with direct interaction between growers and their customers. Modern iterations aim to recapture these relationships, providing economic advantages for agricultural operations and promoting sustainable practices by minimizing transportation distances and associated environmental impacts.