Building strategic alliances in our food supply chains to support farmers, communities, and the land

Part of the 2026 Morrill Lecture Series: “A Revolution of Hope and Community,” this presentation features guest speaker Sarah Lloyd. The lecture will explore how the modern U.S. food supply chain has evolved to favor consolidation and large commodity producers, and what this shift means for farmers, communities, and regional food systems.

While direct-to-consumer markets like farmers markets and CSAs are an important part of the solution, they still represent only a small fraction of the overall food economy. Lloyd will discuss opportunities for “Agriculture of the Middle,” which focuses on rebuilding markets for small and mid-scale farms through strategic alliances among farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers. The talk will highlight how individuals, institutions, and communities can help support collaborative supply chains that strengthen regional agriculture beyond the direct-to-consumer model.

The Morrill Lecture Series is dedicated to growing knowledge and critical thinking around complex national issues—such as health care, poverty, food systems, and immigration—from a local, rural perspective, while showcasing groups working to make a positive impact.