Given the massive growth and development of many communities, the last few decades have seen a decline in the local farmer. That trend appears to be reversing. Perhaps you've seen an increase in advertisements in your newspaper or in the produce aisle highlighting local farming. There are a lot of reasons why purchasing locally-grown produce is a good idea, but there are a few caveats as well. I hope to help you navigate this growing trend.
First, it's likely that local food was picked more recently than produce coming from across the country or another country, meaning it's fresher and more nutritious. Local food will likely last longer and have more nutrients. Many produce items lose nutrients quickly. Frozen and canned food are often more nutritious than some products on the shelf at the supermarket, although most would consider the latter to be fresher.
You also support your neighbors and local economy while helping to reduce transportation costs and the fossil fuel impact on the environment. All else equal, why not spend your money in your own area? Your community will benefit from the trickle-down multiplier effect. The more local dollars that circulate through local businesses, the more disposable income is created. Furthermore, it means more taxes collected and spent in your community on schools, roads, and other public goods.
Local foods can also protect you when disaster strikes. Hurricane Sandy, which hit the Northeast in the fall of 2012, created massive disruptions to supply chains. The most hurtful were the delays in getting food and gasoline to local communities. The more you rely on long-distance goods, the greater the risk when disaster strikes. Consider eating locally-grown foods (and locally produced goods and services) as part of an emergency survival plan. It doesn't work though if you wait until the event happens to make the change. It's too late at that point.
There are two important caveats to be aware of. The aforementioned benefits assume the local farms do not use genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), which are basically seeds whose genes have been altered to add desired traits like drought resistance or insect repellant or to minimize the effects of negative traits. GMOs have never proven to be safe while the list of harms and risk factors seem to grow daily.
It is also important to avoid local farms that use chemical pesticides. You negate the positive benefits of buying local if the products carry carcinogens in and on the food. Local farms should be certified organic or at least use organic farming principles, assuming you trust the farmer's word. Many farmers avoid costly USDA certification, but without inspections and certification, you are taking somewhat of a leap of faith. The good news is that these farmers live in the local community and their reputations are essential to business survival.
I hope you consider locally-grown produce the next time you go food shopping. Just remember to make sure they are organic or non-GMO. Otherwise, you're wasting your money and hurting your health.
First, it's likely that local food was picked more recently than produce coming from across the country or another country, meaning it's fresher and more nutritious. Local food will likely last longer and have more nutrients. Many produce items lose nutrients quickly. Frozen and canned food are often more nutritious than some products on the shelf at the supermarket, although most would consider the latter to be fresher.
You also support your neighbors and local economy while helping to reduce transportation costs and the fossil fuel impact on the environment. All else equal, why not spend your money in your own area? Your community will benefit from the trickle-down multiplier effect. The more local dollars that circulate through local businesses, the more disposable income is created. Furthermore, it means more taxes collected and spent in your community on schools, roads, and other public goods.
Local foods can also protect you when disaster strikes. Hurricane Sandy, which hit the Northeast in the fall of 2012, created massive disruptions to supply chains. The most hurtful were the delays in getting food and gasoline to local communities. The more you rely on long-distance goods, the greater the risk when disaster strikes. Consider eating locally-grown foods (and locally produced goods and services) as part of an emergency survival plan. It doesn't work though if you wait until the event happens to make the change. It's too late at that point.
There are two important caveats to be aware of. The aforementioned benefits assume the local farms do not use genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), which are basically seeds whose genes have been altered to add desired traits like drought resistance or insect repellant or to minimize the effects of negative traits. GMOs have never proven to be safe while the list of harms and risk factors seem to grow daily.
It is also important to avoid local farms that use chemical pesticides. You negate the positive benefits of buying local if the products carry carcinogens in and on the food. Local farms should be certified organic or at least use organic farming principles, assuming you trust the farmer's word. Many farmers avoid costly USDA certification, but without inspections and certification, you are taking somewhat of a leap of faith. The good news is that these farmers live in the local community and their reputations are essential to business survival.
I hope you consider locally-grown produce the next time you go food shopping. Just remember to make sure they are organic or non-GMO. Otherwise, you're wasting your money and hurting your health.
About the Author:
Please see my website for more information dangers of food additives and preservatives or my blog at Natural claim on food label
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