Below is a brief summary of the research and research procedures. Please quickly review and mark whether or not you are willing to take the Community & Local Foods Questionnaire.
What is the purpose of this study?
This research project aims to examine policy, economic, and social conditions that affect the strength and sustainability of community food systems. The information gathered from this study will guide Cooperative Extension agents to best assist producers and policy makers in managing the challenges associated building and maintaining local food systems across North Carolina and Virginia.
What will happen if you take part in the study?
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete a survey that will ask you questions about your connections with the community food system in which you participate. The information from this survey will be gathered to guide discussion questions in future community meetings (focus groups) in which you have the option to participate. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The community meeting will be an hour and a half of discussion. The community meeting will take place in a central location to your county or surrounding counties.
Risks
Completing surveys and participating in the community meeting combined will require nearly two hours of your time. If you are uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time then you may experience slight discomfort during the community meeting portion of this research project. During the meeting you will have the opportunity to stand or sit according to your preference.
Benefits
You will have the opportunity to ‘network’ with other participants in your community food system. These connections could be valuable for your business success and to increase your knowledge of the social and economic possibilities in your community food system. Finally, through the information your provide in your survey and during the community meeting, you will be helping your state make gains towards strengthening all community food systems through best practices and new policies
Confidentiality
The information in the study records will be kept strictly confidential. Data will be stored securely in locked filing cabinets except when the information is transferred into an electronic database. The electronic database will be password locked and will not contain your name or contact information. No reference will be made in oral or written reports which could link you to the study. You will NOT be asked to write your name on any study materials so that no one can match your identity to the answers that you provide.
Compensation
For participating in the community meeting, the research group will compensate you for the mileage you travelled to the meeting. If you decide to withdraw from the study prior to its completion you will receive not compensation if you have only completed the survey. If, however, you come to the focus group and withdraw you still will receive a stipend for gas.
What if you have questions about this study?
If you have questions at any time about the study or the procedures, you may contact the researcher, Dr. L. Steven Smutko, at Agriculture and Resource Economics, Extension Specialist, Nelson Hall 4326, Box 8109, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695, or 919-515-4683. You may also contact Dr. Susan Jakes, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Development Specialist, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, CALS, Box 7605, NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695 or 919-515-9161.
What if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?
If you feel you have not been treated according to the descriptions in this form, or your rights as a participant in research have been violated during the course of this project, you may contact Deb Paxton, Regulatory Compliance Administrator, Box 7514, NCSU Campus (919/515-4514)).