The holidays are the perfect time to raise awareness and appreciation for the gifts of local agriculture. The centerpiece of so many holidays is the meal. From the main course to the decadent dessert, it is easy to support what local agriculture can provide and form new traditions by adding at least one local food item to your table. The benefits of purchasing local food stretch beyond the great taste it adds to the meal by supporting the local economy, sustainability, and the environment. Add that to your list of things to celebrate this holiday season!
Fresher, More Nutritious, and Variety in Food Choices
Shopping at farmers markets or joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) encourages the consumer to talk directly to the farmer to learn when the food was picked and how it was grown. Local farmers tend to grow different varieties of our favorite foods or other fruits and vegetables that grow more regionally and may not be available in our supermarkets. This allows for a wider variety of fruits and vegetables leading to a more nutritious diet.
Good for the Local Economy
Eating local keeps money in the community. For every dollar you spend buying local products from local stores and vendors the higher the percentage of that dollar will stay in the local community. This creates a more stable economy and community.
Good for the Environment
Local growers have the opportunity to limit their use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Instead they rely more on crop rotation, animal manure, and biological controls to manage pests and weeds. With most food traveling long distances, purchasing food locally can decrease the food production footprint on the environment by decreasing energy consumption. This also holds true for urban farms and community gardens. They are located closer to higher populated areas creating a short distance between the consumer and the producer.
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