Examination of the barriers to specialty crop production and local food system development in Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma has a rich history in agriculture with roots tied to agronomic, or industrial, row crops production. Over the decades, the state’s foundation of natural resource production has kept true to its row crop production and operates through the lens of industrial agriculture. The state's horticultural market is largely untapped and overlooked, even with ample resources, land availability, an open market, and a population in need of nutritional supplementation. The poorly developed local food system contributes to poor health statistics, food deserts, and the lack of accessibility and food insecurity many Oklahomans face. Understanding the needs, fundamental components, horticultural contributions, as well as the respective barriers within local food systems, is essential for addressing the gaps in research. Current state programming and resources have a variety of approaches to tackling the integration of a local food system and the promotion of produce. Identifying and understanding barriers for specialty crop producers will create opportunities to improve production methods and food system operations in Oklahoma. By examining the current state of producers, a plan for success can be created to improve overall conditions and programs for producers. Through communication and qualitative data, this study aims to create an introspective evaluation of Oklahoma’s policies and programs’ effect on the food system: from producer to end-consumer. This study conducted a series of semi-structured focus groups to assess the challenges producers currently experience in fruit and vegetable production and the participation in Oklahoma’s food system. Three concurrent themes emerged from this study: the counter-cultural philosophy of production, the lack of accessible resources, and the lack of industry. The implications of this study call for immediate intervention for the viability and development of the vegetable and fruit industry. Through adequate resource allocation, a better understanding, and connection, this can influence the future of resources nurturing the industry and enhancing the current state of Oklahoma fruit and vegetable producers.