A geographic framework for assessing neolocalism: the case of Texas cider production

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to propose a new conceptual framework intended to offer scholars a tool for assessing the geographic qualities among the myriad expressions of neolocalism reflected by craft food producers. Our objectives were to determine the extent to which Texas craft cider producers employ neolocal traits in the identity and marketing of their products and place; to examine how and under what conditions does the role of neolocalism and the traits employed in Texas craft cider production vary by location, reflecting local sites and situations; and to discover whether geographic, relational, or value-based traits hold greater influence when employing neolocalism in Texas craft cider. Incorporating geographic, relational, and values of proximity along with identified neolocal traits, we created a visual representation of neolocal engagement, the neolocal product model. The model visually demonstrates how Texas craft cider producers’ ability to conscientiously create a locally embedded product imbued with neolocal traits is affected by how the producers situate themselves within a local food network, reflect local resources and values, and present their cidery within a chosen landscape.