Abstract
From the viewpoint of business administration, this study aims to elucidate the development of family farm businesses that contribute favorably to US society. To achieve its objectives, this study focuses on the Energyshed (ES) project undertaken by family farms in the Capay Valley district of California. The ES project is a collective initiative between farmers and either residents or consumers to introduce renewable energy sources that provide farm businesses with electricity. The main methodology of this study was to interview farmers participating in the project; additionally, project documents were analyzed. As a result, we summarize three characteristics of the ES project. First, it consists of collaboration between family farms and either regional residents or consumers, as mediated through farm businesses. Second, it is sustained in the absence of government subsidies. Third, it hinges on r esidents’ and consumers’ understanding of family farm businesses.
