Eighth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Amidst growing interest in and demand for local foods, dairy is a major driver of production for local consumption in Arizona. That said, in-state sourcing of feed crops by the dairy industry is often overlooked as a step along the local foods value chain. Furthermore, increasing emphasis on the sustainability of food production, particularly in arid climates facing the prospect of shortages in agricultural irrigation water supplies, warrants the examination of feed crop production in relation to use by Arizona dairy producers. This analysis will use secondary data on dairy industry and crop production, secondary data on agricultural water use and crop production practices, and primary data from Arizona dairy producers. Additionally, it will utilize the IMPLAN input-output model to estimate multiplier effects attributable to the dairy industry value chain. Results will provide an estimate of the contribution of the dairy industry value chain to the state economy and provide context from the food systems perspective on the trade-offs surrounding production and sustainability.