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.
There are a lot of positives to assess when considering purchasing local produce. Freshness and nutrition are usually higher from local products because of less travel time and the typical drop off in nutritional value as produce ages, which can happen rather quickly. Most people don't realize that when comparing produce coming from long distances to frozen or canned produce, the latter is often more nutritious because it was preserved close to harvest while the former is possibly a week or two old.
Furthermore, your purchases benefit your community. The more you and your neighbors spend on local businesses, the more vibrant your community will be. Income levels will be higher, meaning more available dollars to spend and invest, as well as more tax dollars to spend on local public needs. What's more, purchasing local produce lessens the impact on the environment, due to lower transportation costs, which can also mean lower prices for the consumer.
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.
That being said, it is important to consider a few other issues. First, all of the positives I already mentioned will be negated if the farms use GMO seeds, which are genetically altered to increase crop yields by adding chemicals or spliced traits from animals or other plants. GMOs are often called Frankencrops. I have never seen a peer-reviewed study supporting the use of GMOs yet the argument against their use is significant and growing.
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.
There are a lot of positives to assess when considering purchasing local produce. Freshness and nutrition are usually higher from local products because of less travel time and the typical drop off in nutritional value as produce ages, which can happen rather quickly. Most people don't realize that when comparing produce coming from long distances to frozen or canned produce, the latter is often more nutritious because it was preserved close to harvest while the former is possibly a week or two old.
Furthermore, your purchases benefit your community. The more you and your neighbors spend on local businesses, the more vibrant your community will be. Income levels will be higher, meaning more available dollars to spend and invest, as well as more tax dollars to spend on local public needs. What's more, purchasing local produce lessens the impact on the environment, due to lower transportation costs, which can also mean lower prices for the consumer.
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.
That being said, it is important to consider a few other issues. First, all of the positives I already mentioned will be negated if the farms use GMO seeds, which are genetically altered to increase crop yields by adding chemicals or spliced traits from animals or other plants. GMOs are often called Frankencrops. I have never seen a peer-reviewed study supporting the use of GMOs yet the argument against their use is significant and growing.
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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