Localization effects for a fresh vegetable product supply chain: Broccoli in the eastern United States

What are the costs of increased food system localization in the case of a fresh vegetable product? When production is reallocated across space and seasons, how do supply chain costs and consumer prices change? In this article, we use a production and transportation model to answer these questions, along with illustrative simulation results from increased production of fresh broccoli in the eastern United States. Contrary to previous findings in other industries, we find that localization through reallocation of production may take place at no cost to the consumer, even at a small decrease in price. Localization may also reduce total broccoli supply chain costs and food miles.