About Us
The Food Systems Lab at UNH is led by Dr. Analena Bruce in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The lab team’s current research projects are focused on sustainable livelihood strategies for farmers, collaborative aggregation and marketing models, values-based food supply chains, and public engagement in alternative food networks that are designed to increase equity, sustainability and resilience in the food system.
Want to connect? Contact Dr. Analena Bruce at Analena.Bruce@UNH.edu
Lab News
Elise Neidecker TA Award and Thesis Defense
Elise was awarded the UNH Summer Teaching Assistant Fellowship, a competitive grant to support graduate student research during the summer for individuals who performed exceptionally well as both a student and a Teaching Assistant during the academic year. Elise will use the funding to finalize her thesis, present at the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society Conference in Syracuse, NY, develop Research Briefs in collaboration with UNH Extension and nonprofit partners, and submit her work for publication.
Collaborative Aggregation and Marketing Workshops
Hannah Stokes-Ramos leads our workshop in collaboration with Fresh Start Farms and the Southern New England Farmers of Color Collaborative in Manchester, NH.
The Food Systems Lab at UNH and Jesse Wright with UNH Extension hosted a series of peer learning workshops for anyone interested in collaborative aggregation and marketing. Workshops featured farmers and leaders with experience in a range of marketing models (multi-farm CSAs, online farmers markets, or food hubs led by farmers), followed by a peer learning and discussion session to explore questions and experiences. Learn more about our recent virtual series here!
food alliance group outing
The food systems lab team enjoyed a beautiful day in the mountains at the 2023 New Hampshire Food Alliance Statewide Gathering, meeting inspiring people and learning about all the exciting food system development work happening around NH!
Congratulations to Alexa Wilhelm, the first graduate student to earn her degree with the food systems lab at UNH!
In her thesis “Connecting New England farmers to large retailers via Values-Based Food Supply Chains”, Alexa presents findings from 22 interviews with producers, intermediaries, retailers, and key informants engaged in Values-Based Food Supply Chains across the New England region. Her work provides insights into how the actors involved in values-based supply chains are enacting the values prioritized by these supply chains.
Fun at Fat Peach Farm
The Food Systems lab team braved a heavy rainstorm to get out and enjoy a Cob oven pizza workshop at Fat Peach Farm!
Select Publications
Leslie, I. S., Carson, J., and Bruce A.B. (2022). LGBTQ+ Food Insufficiency in New England. Agriculture and Human Values.
Bruce, A.B., Farmer, J., Giroux S., Dickinson S., Chen, X., O’Donnell M., and T. Benjamin. (2022). Opportunities and barriers to certified organic grain production on rented farmland in the US. Land Use Policy. Vol. 122, 106346
Bruce, A.B., Y. Borlu, and Glenna, L.L. 2022. Assessing the scientific support for U.S. EPA pesticide regulatory policy governing active and inert ingredients. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences.
Bruce, A.B., L.T. Maynard, J.C.D. Valliant, and J.R. Farmer. 2021. Farm type and high tunnel management: Connections between farm characteristics and high tunnel outcomes in Indiana. HortTechnology.
See all our Publications Here
Media Coverage
Enhancing public engagement in alternative food markets
Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) like farmers markets and CSAs promote sustainability and fair trade but struggle with market saturation. This study explores expanding their reach in New England by analyzing consumer behaviors and cultural influences on food preferences. Emphasizing key product attributes and cultural inclusivity, alongside public education, can broaden AFNs' appeal, aiding small farms and enhancing market penetration.
Read the full article in UNH Inspired!
Connecting New England Farmers to large retailers through values-based supply chains
Mid-sized U.S. farms, crucial for local food supply, face market access issues. Value-based Supply Chains (VBSCs) could bridge this gap by adapting large retail systems to support these farms. Through strategic partnerships, VBSCs offer risk-sharing mechanisms, flexible market access, and shared infrastructure, enabling mid-sized farms to sustainably meet consumer demand within existing retail frameworks.
Read the full article in UNH Inspired!
Unveiling the challenges of farm viability in New England
Climate change and COVID-19 stress New England's food system, emphasizing resilient supply needs. A study shows farmers diversify income with off-farm work, agritourism, and community backing, beyond just farming. Sustainable agriculture hinges on overcoming financial hurdles and rethinking farm viability, calling for joint policy efforts to bolster food system resilience.
Read the full article in UNH Inspired!
Food Insufficiency Rates Among LGBTQ+ New Englanders
New research from a team of scientists, including New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station scientist Analena Bruce, finds that New England’s LGBTQ+ residents experience rates of food insufficiency that are two to three times higher than those found among cisgender New Englanders. Their findings highlight how existing policies and programs to address food insecurity continue to underserve New Englanders, and especially LGBTQ+ people.
Read the full article in UNH Today!
CV and Contact Info
dr. analena bruce’s cv
Lab address: 425 Kendall Hall, 129 Main St. Durham, NH 03824