The state of Oklahoma has a foundation in natural resources and agriculture. To date, despite growth and industry changes, Oklahoma has kept true to its history but operates through the lens of industrial agriculture. The horticultural market is largely untapped and overlooked within the state even with the ample resources, land availability, open market, and a population in need of nutritional supplementation. Connecting with and having conversations with Oklahoma vegetable and fruit producers reveal underlying problems within Oklahoma's local food system and programs which include the fundamentals of production, market accessibility, and distribution problems. These conversations have long-term implications on the future market of the state. The exploration of results found from the conversations will be explored in terms of programming available, and the future of Oklahoma’s food system. The current programming within the state has a variety of approaches to tackling the integration of a local food system or the promotion of specialty crops. The identification and systematic review of programming and policy will expose gaps and shortcomings in the Oklahoma food system. Identifying and understanding barriers in specialty crop producers will create opportunities to improve the methods of production in the state of Oklahoma. Through examining the states’ available resources, programming, and policies for fruit and vegetable producers in the state, a plan for success can be created to increase market access and profitability for producers while also increasing access to local produce for consumers in Oklahoma. The evaluation of Oklahoma’s policies and specialty crop programs or support networks have long term implications on the success of current markets for local vegetable and fruit producers, their challenges they face, and opportunities that lie ahead. The implications of this review will result in a better understanding, connection, and future resources to nurture and support the horticultural market. Keywords: Horticulture, local production, market accessibility
