We are the Food Distribution Research Society, Inc.

In these changing times, it is critical that academia, government, and industry continue to work together in food distribution to foster the industry growth. Food Distribution Research Society (FDRS) is the only body of scholars and practitioners in the United States dedicated to the study, monitoring and sharing of knowledge about the dramatic changes that are taking place in the global food system.

The Food Distribution Research Society’s annual conference, held in collaboration this year with the National Agriculture Summit, will be held from Sunday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 14 in Washington D.C. We have a great schedule planned, with the Summit theme "Cultivating connection" as well as with FDRS research sessions and events. Registration is available on the National Agriculture Summit webpage. On this website, you will also find information about submissions for Organized Symposium, Research Reports, Research Updates, Outreach Writing, and Teaching case studies for the 2023 FDRS annual conference. We look forward to seeing you in Washington D.C., November 12-14!

Build your Team!

Start building your team for the 2023 Student Food Marketing Challenge! #SquadGoals

Learn More...

Get ready for the 2023 Conference

Stay tuned for more information about our October 2023 conference in Washington, D.C.!

Learn More...

A Message From Our President Margarita Velandia

It is a great opportunity and honor to serve as president of the Food Distribution Research Society. The Society is fully committed to applied research that could impact stakeholders across the global food system. As the second Hispanic woman to serve as President, I will continue embracing an organizational environment that gives members and leadership a sense of belonging, where they can exchange ideas and thrive. Additionally, I will continue the Society’s culture of fostering the knowledge exchange between academia, industry, and government.

This year’s annual conference was a partnership between the National Agricultural Marketing Summit and MarketMaker, with additional support from Extension Risk Management, Farm Credit Council, and Illinois Farm Bureau. This partnership is evidence of our commitment to working with organizations to promote idea exchange between academia, government, and industry related to food distribution, all in an effort to foster industry growth. As in previous years, the conference included a Student Food Marketing Challenge that was held online to maximize participation from teams all over the world. This competition facilitates student interactions with industry clients, as student teams design and present strategies to address a client’s real-world challenge in marketing and food distribution. First place went to California State University, Fresno; second place went to the University of Connecticut; and third place went to California State University, Chico.

Our Journal of Food Distribution Research continues to focus on issues of importance facing the US agribusiness economic sector. This year, our editorial team included guidelines for submitting Harvard-style teaching cases. We encourage you to submit your research articles to our journal.

Please consider joining us in 2023 in Washington, DC, at our next FDRS Annual Conference! If you are new to FDRS or are considering joining the Society, come and see what we are all about. Come and enjoy a collegial atmosphere and make lasting professional connections! I look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC.

FDRS Food Marketing Challenge Student Reviews

See what students have to say about their Food Marketing Challenge experience at the annual FDRS Conference.
(Swipe left for more reviews.)