This comprehensive overview of local food systems explores alternative definitions of local food, estimates market size and reach, describes the characteristics of local consumers and producers, and examines early indications of the economic and health impacts of local food systems. Defining ¿local¿ based on marketing arrangements, such as farmers selling directly to consumers at regional farmers¿ markets or to schools, is well recognized. Statistics suggest that local food markets account for a small, but growing, share of U.S. agricultural production. For smaller farms, direct marketing to consumers accounts for a higher percentage of their sales than for larger farms. Charts and tables.

Estimates of water withdrawals enable the depiction of trends in total water use for the Nation among different geographic areas, categories of use, and sources over time. Water-use information is a critical component of water budgets, which are essential to surface- water and groundwater availability studies. This information is also essential to accurately understand how future water demands will be met while maintaining adequate water quality and quantities for human and ecosystem needs across the United States of America. Data is represented in text abstracts and analysis, tables, chart graphics, and photos presented throughout. The estimates contained within this volume focus on water use for eight (8) categories: Public Supply * Irrigation Self-supplied Domestic * Livestock Aquaculture * Industrial Mining * Thermoelectric Power Related products: Other products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are available here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/agency/us-geological-survey-usgs Check out our Water Management resources collection here: https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/water-management