Final answer:
HomeGrown's partnership with Family Farms is likely driven by a desire to reduce transportation costs and enhance supply chain efficiency, as local sourcing shortens transit routes and supports community economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decision by HomeGrown, a small restaurant specializing in serving local fruits, vegetables, and meats, to establish a long-term partnership with Family Farms, a local farming operation, is most likely motivated by reduced transportation costs and improved supply chain efficiency. This is because sourcing produce from a local farm can significantly decrease the distance food must travel. Consequently, this reduces costs associated with transport and can make the supply chain more efficient, as shorter transportation routes can be more easily managed and less subjected to delays. Moreover, partnerships with local producers typically support the community and can align with the values of a restaurant prioritizing locally-sourced ingredients. While global food markets do play a role in the larger picture, in this scenario, the focus on local sourcing for HomeGrown points towards economic and logistical benefits like reduced transportation expenses and potentially fresher produce due to shortened transit times.