A new study conducted using a free-to-play video game, Race Against Rot, shows that players overwhelmingly prioritize community well-being over maximizing personal profit when simulating small-scale apple farming. The findings suggest a surprising willingness among the public to support local food systems even if it means earning less money themselves. This challenges the assumption that economic self-interest always dominates decision-making.
The Experiment: Simulating Farm Life
Researchers at the University of Vermont designed Race Against Rot to model the financial realities faced by small farms in the United States. Players managed a virtual apple orchard and navigated policy choices such as selling at farmers markets versus wholesale, implementing a universal basic income for workers, and investing in local food hubs.
To incentivize participation, players could earn real money—$1 for every $40,000 of simulated orchard profit. However, the majority chose strategies that prioritized supplying their virtual neighbors with affordable fruit, even if it meant reducing their own earnings. Researchers termed this behavior “community nourishment.”
The Harsh Reality of Small Farms
The study’s implications are particularly relevant given the precarious state of American agriculture. The USDA estimates that 88% of U.S. farms are classified as “small operations,” earning under $350,000 annually. Many of these farms operate at a loss when accounting for expenses, making sustainable profitability a significant challenge. This systemic issue, rather than farmer greed, drives up costs for consumers.
Why This Matters
The willingness to prioritize community nourishment in a simulated environment raises a critical question: Why aren’t our real-world food systems structured to reflect this public sentiment? Current distribution models often fail to account for the social benefits of supporting local farms. The research suggests that policy interventions could be more effective if they acknowledged the public’s desire for equitable food access and farmer livelihoods.
“Equitable food systems solutions can only emerge from questions posed and data gathered that honestly reflect the structure and function of both our current food system and any vision for a better one,” the study authors conclude.
This isn’t just about altruism; it’s about recognizing that healthy, sustainable food systems are a collective benefit. By acknowledging this shared value, policymakers can design more effective strategies to support farmers and ensure access to quality ingredients for all. The study suggests the public is already on board; now, the challenge is to align policy with this demonstrated preference.
