Understanding the Chequamegon Bay Regional Food System Through Social Network Analysis

The Chequamegon Bay Regional Food System in northern Wisconsin is a network of approximately 100 food growers, value-added producers, food system educators, retailers, and market managers. The network is supported by the educators employed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension. The network, while active, has failed to produce the desired economic and social benefits expected. A review of the literature found many instances of social network analysis being used to assess regional food systems. Based on theories of social network analysis, the network was surveyed about their roles, affiliations, attitudes, and relationships. Survey data was used to do an exploratory social network analysis, including visualizations, actor prominence discovery, community detection, and simulation comparisons. Additionally, exponential random graph modeling was used to identify factors contributing to collaborative tie formation. Key findings include low density and high diameter in the Coordinate and Collaborate networks, the presence of Extension educators as central actors in the network, and a higher likelihood of food systems educators collaborating with each other than with non-food systems educators. The findings will be used as baseline data for future longitudinal studies of the network. Additionally, Extension educators will utilize the findings to develop targeted initiatives aimed at building network strength and resiliency.