The Weblog
This weblog contains LocallyGrown.net news and the weblog entries from all the markets currently using the system.
To visit the authoring market’s website, click on the market name located in the entry’s title.
Champaign, OH: Warm It Up!
Swisher Hill Herbs also gives us another exciting announcement!!
Warm it up!! New tea blends, on the market!!
Swisher Hill Herbs Introduces Herb Teas
As the weather changes from summer to fall, then into the winter here at Swisher Hill Herbs we enjoy the flavors of Herb teas. You can make teas from a single herb or from a combination of several: some herb teas are delicate, such as lemon grass, chamomile and rosehips. Other herbs, spices and flowers are quite strong flavored like peppermint, hibiscus flowers, cloves, cinnamon and citrus peels. Herb teas can be tart and acidic, mild, fruity, refreshingly minty, or pungent and savory. Finding a combination that you really enjoy is half of the pleasure of drinking Herbal teas. Once you have found a blend you really like you can make up a larger batch and keep it in a larger container or tea tin.
Many people drink herb teas because they are caffeine free, just for the flavor and there are others that turn to herb teas for their therapeutic value to soothe digestion, lift the spirits, induce sleep or ease the misery of a cold. Whatever your choice we are sure you can find an herb tea you enjoy.
You can brew herb tea just like ordinary tea by pouring boiling water over the herbs.( Rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs per cup of tea.) Let it steep, covered. Some teas take less than 5 minutes other teas containing roots, citrus peel and spices may take up to 10 minutes to brew. (Brewing teas too long gives them a bitter taste) When brewing teas always use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, enamel, or porcelain kettle or pot, since the alkaloids in herbs are extremely sensitive to metal.
During the summer months you can raise and dry your own ingredients for herb teas. Scented geraniums, lemon balm, mints, chamomile, lemongrass, bergamot, lemon verbena, pineapple sage just to name a few. Save and dry your own citrus peels.
We have had many requests for herb teas. We will begin by offering a selection of single common herbs for teas and also 3 combinations of herbs and spice teas that we enjoy. German Chamomile, peppermint c/s, lemon grass, !hibiscus flowers c/s, and rosehips seedless, are the three herb teas, and Fruit Tea, Crimson Berry and Orange spice are the tea blends. For a quick find on the virtual market; look in Categories, then under Herbs and spices.
Enjoy!
Joe and Charlene Stapleton
Champaign, OH: Swisher Hill Herbs!
Swisher Hill Herbs brings us two new items for the market!!
Swisher Hill Herbs…adds new products!
Sour Cream / Buttermilk Salad Dressing Blend of 6 different herbs to make a tangy ranch style salad dressing. Great on your favorite spinach or tossed salad. Also makes a delicious dip for fresh vegetables or Buffalo wings! 1 pkg. makes 3 to 4 cups $3.00 per pkg.
You know you want to order…you know you need to order!!
Champaign, OH: The Excitement!!!
Well, as if it’s not exciting enough to have the market open, again, for the week, BUT…our friends from Oakview Farm Meats want us to let you in on a little exciting news…
**Their Box Specials are….BACK!!!! Go straight to the market site, look for the boxes, and place your orders!!
You know they never last for long so get the orders in…EARLY!!
Peace and Love,
Cosmic Pam
Champaign, OH: Watching The Wheels
People say I’m crazy…
Doing what I’m doing…
Well, they give me all kinds of warnings…
To save me from ruin…
(John Lennon – Watching The Wheels)
It’s been a crazy week coming off of a crazy weekend that had involved all things on the local front. A large amount of us were part of the State Of The Plate. It was such a huge success, and left so many of us on a high, that it took a bit of effort to get back in the swing of reality, this week.
I felt like the week just went into crazy mode, the minute Monday morning hit. It just kept going, I just kept baking, delivering, working my shop, and working this market. I tend to go into Cosmic overload, and then I remember to stop, take a bit of time, meet up with friends, recharge with a bit of downtime, great laughs, a cocktail or two, and a tiny bit of sleep.
When I am at my most frantic, I fall back on my friends. Either in person, via the phone, texts, social media…My friends have an uncanny ability to reach out to me, randomly, just when I need it. They ground me, they love, me, they support me, they make me laugh, they make me cry. I have collected quite an eclectic group of pals, over the years, through the decades, some of them reaching way back to even elementary school.
Spending time with old friends is very much like just sitting and watching the wheels go round. A familiar routine with familiar faces, familiar voices, familiar arms that reach out to hug you. I love that they bring me back to reality, and restore the calm.
This market is like a familiar old friend, these days. Sort of like watching the wheels go round and round. We have worked hard to get it to this level. The level of friendship, the level of trust, the level of when you order, you feel like you are visiting an old friend…over and over.
The local of it all, the love of it all, the friendship of it all. It all works, together, to bring you the familiar, each and every week.
Go ahead, let the market be your familiar friend, place your orders, get to know us even better, and let yourself relax while watching the wheels go round and round…
Good friends in a familiar place…it’s what we are here for!
Tonight is Thursday, I am opening the market for the week, and I encourage you to try us, like us, love us…you won’t be sorry!
Peace and Love,
Cosmic Pam
Suwanee Whole Life Co-op: Market is OPEN for orders! Group Buy This weekend
ORDERING:
The market is now open for ordering!
suwanee.locallygrown.net
GROUP BUY THIS WEEKEND! Fermented Cod Liver Oil and Grass Fed Collagen
If you do NOT receive a confirmation email immediately after you placed your order, then your items are still in your cart and your order is not complete. All orders must be placed by 5pm on Sunday.
PICK UP:
Pick up is on Tuesday at 4942 Austin Park Avenue, Buford 30518 from 1pm to 5 pm.
PAYMENT:
We take checks, cash, credit card and Dwolla
If you are planning to pay using Dwolla please make sure your deposit includes the 25 cents fee. For example, if your order total is $22.50 make your deposit for $22.75.
Please make sure you understand our pick up policy before you order.
Have a blessed weekend!
Nora
Local Farms First: The Market is Open!
Greetings Local Farms First Food Lovers,
A real treat on the market this week – raspberries! Enjoy a little taste of summer while you can.
Be sure to take advantage of bulk orders of vegetables on the market – it is a great way to store up on fresh, local food for the winter.
Enjoy!
Thanks for supporting local family farms,
Erin Griffin- Market Manager
LocalFarmsFirst.org – a 501c3 non-profit
click here to start shopping on the website:
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com
Suwanee Whole Life Co-op: News:Coffee Tasting & 2 Group Buys
Coffee Tasting
Now that we are all settled in our new space, I am very happy to announce that we will have our very first “Vendor of the Day” this Tuesday, October 22nd from 1:30 pm to 4 pm during pickup.
Juanice from JavaGenesis Coffee Roasting will be at the warehouse doing a FREE tasting of their small batch coffees.
JavaGenesis Coffee Roasting is a small batch craft roaster of specialty coffee. They source our coffee from the major growing regions around the world. All of their coffee will be roasted within 24-48 hours of the market to ensure our product is at peak freshness when it is delivered to you.
In addition to producing awesome coffee, promoting responsible environmental and/or social stewardship is important to them. Because Georgia does not have the climate needed to grow coffee, they use 3 importers to source our green coffee. They select coffee from their importers that have been farmed using sustainable practices and when possible we buy shade grown and/or fair trade organic coffees. They roast on a roaster which uses infrared burners, not open flame, atmospheric burners. IR burners produce substantially lower emissions than atmospheric burners. They are proud to roast their coffee on a ‘greener’ roaster. And we are proud to have them in our family of vendors and growers!
This is a great venue to ask questions and put a face to the the foods & products you buy at the co-op!
I will post this tomorrow on our Facebook page and feel free to let friends know to stop in and try some coffees!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
THANK YOU Marie, Erin, Pam and Chuck for helping out on Tuesday!!! We couldn’t have a co-op without volunteers and we appreciate you all so much!
If you are interested in volunteering, I have created a volunteer sign up on Signup Genius. I am asking for volunteers to sign up for 1 hour shifts from 2p to 5pm. No packing is involved just need someone to be there to assist other members. You are welcome to bring your kids as long as they are supervised. Here is the link to the sign up http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AEA623A7FA7-volunteer
The link is also posted on the About page on our website.
Thank you in advance for your support!
2 Group Buys this weekend- FCLO and Collagen
This weekend we will have our Group Buy for Green Pasture products (Fermented Cod Liver Oil, High Vitamin Butter Oil, Skate Liver Oil
and Great Lakes Gelatin- Grass Fed Collagen!
All currently available products (as of today) will be listed on the market site tomorrow for ordering.
The prices include our discounted group buy price, sale price (if applicable), shipping, fees and taxes.
THIS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP THIS TUESDAY.
I will place our group order on Monday and expect it will be available for pick up within 2 weeks. This is a prepaid pre-order, so payment is expected this Tuesday. If you are only ordering Green Pasture or Great Lakes products this week, please drop a check in the mail or online payment on the co-op market website.
If you are new to the co-op and/or Fermented Cod Liver Oil or Collagen, I have a section at the bottom of this weblog that discusses the benefits of these amazing products.
I’ve also listed my recommendations and dosage for adults and kids.
Discussion Board
I have created a Google Group discussion board if you’d like to discuss a topic or ask questions to other other members. Here’s the link to our Google Group: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/suwanee-whole-life-co-op
This would be a perfect place to post a request to split items so you can try before buying in a larger quantity.
Great way to coordinate group pick up, get yogurt, kefir or kombucha starters from your fellow co-op members!
Adrienne just posted a Share Your Recipe request. Fun idea!
New Items
Arugula
Curly Kale
Plants – Cabbage (Savoy)
Preserves – Organic Pear
Pick Up Time Change
The 5pm pick up deadline is temporary and I will change the time back to 6:45 pm starting in late October or early November.
I will send out an update in Mid October – November when we revert back to our normal close time.
Thank you for your understanding!
Upcoming Group Buys
Below is a list of upcoming co-op group buys to help with planning and budgeting. All dates are subject to change.
Green Pasture – Fermented Cod Liver Oils- 10/17/14 – 10/19/14
Great Lakes Gelatin – Collagen Hydrolysate 10/17/14 – 10/19/14
Saltworks – Unrefined Sea Salts – 11/7/14 – 11/9/14
Wilderness Family Naturals – Organic Coconut Oils/Pantry Items – 11/7/14 – 11/9/14
Grass Fed Cheeses – TBD December
Group Buy: Grass Fed Collagen & Gelatin
Great Lakes Gelatin (the Green can) Collagen Hydrolysate (beef kosher) Unflavored
Gelatin (also known as cooked collagen) has wonderful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging qualities, as it helps to fill in the missing amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) in the standard American diet. This is a completely different from the jiggly gelatin product most of us grew up eating as kids.
Homemade bone broth is chock full of gelatin and very nutrient dense but Great Lakes Gelatin- Collagen is a convenient way to get gelatin consistently into your diet.
What is Collagen Hydrolysate?
Hydrolyzed Collagen is the unique combination of amino acids in concentrated levels that promotes rapid re-production of blood cells for healing and conditioning over other proteins especially for bone and joint health care. This low molecular weight protein is easily digested for healthy enrichment in minutes after ingestion. It will not congeal because it has been hydrolyzed for quick assimilation and improved hydration to the connective tissue. Collagen is important to nitrogen balance, now considered an anti-aging product as it supports age related cartilage damage, and collagen loss. source: http://greatlakesgelatin.com/)
How do I use this product?
You can mix it in drinks, shakes, smoothies, or add a tablespoon to your favorite recipe to give it an anti-inflammatory protein boost. It will dissolve in cold liquids very easily.
How Much Do You Need?
Recommended dosage: Take one rounded tablespoon (10-12 g) in the morning, and the same amount before going to bed in the late evening which will help reduce appetite. This product has a low molecular weight so it will dissolve in cold, warm, or hot liquids.
Important Note: Remember not to get too carried away with gelatin. Adding too much too quickly can cause digestive issues: bloating, loss of appetite, stomach ache are just a few side effects.
It’s important to remember that more gelatin is not always better, especially if you are adding it to your diet for the first time.
Gelatin should be used in addition to a nutrient dense diet and not to replace real food like homemade bone broths and grass fed meats.
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Additional links and sources:
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/gelatin-and-collagen-hydrolysate-whats-the-difference/#sthash.lGTNErFi.dpuf
http://butternutrition.com/what-you-dont-know-about-gelatin-may-hurt-you-5-things-you-need-to-know/
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/gelatin-and-collagen-hydrolysate-whats-the-difference/
http://paleoparents.com/2014/gelatin-why-we-love-it-and-60-delicious-family-friendly-recipes-using-it/
Fermented Cod Liver Oil Information
GREEN PASTURE INFO:
Here’s some information about Fermented Cod Liver Oil and its health benefits:
Why choose Green Pasture Products?
•Whole Food Form
•Wild, as Provided by Nature
•Natural fatty acid complex, nothing removed or changed
•Full, deep range of Vitamins A, D, E, K; CoQ enzymes; and other Quinones
•Non-industrialized & Historical Processing Methods
•Clean, Pure, and Extensive Third Party Tested (NO PCBs, Lead, Mercury, Arsenic or other Heavy Metals)
•Family owned business
Why is FCLO better than regular fish oil? •Green Pasture uses wild caught cod in and around the Arctic region (A substantial amount of today’s cod liver oil is produced from farmed fish)
•FCLO higher in nutrients than regular fish oil
•Double the amounts of vitamin A and D as regular cod liver oil
•Goes rancid less quickly
•No synthetic vitamins added
•Most salmon oil has one-fifth the potency of cod liver oil
•1/2 TBS of FCLO provides the amount of elongated omega-3 fatty acids found in twelve 1,000 mg fish oil capsules
What are the benefits of Fermented Cod Liver Oil?
•Rich in Vitamins A & D which are crucial nutrients that are lacking in most modern diets
•Vitamin A- vital for a healthy immune system and healthy vision and is important for proper development in children
•Vitamin D- improves insulin function, protective effect against multiple sclerosis,
•May help prevent flu (lack of vitamin D synthesis during the winter as one explanation for high rates of influenza infection during cold season)
•In women, higher levels of vitamin D from cod liver oil improve bone mineral density
•EPA- Eicosapentaenoic acid (Omega 3 Fatty Acid) anti-inflammatory and necessary for prostaglandin production
•DHA -docasahexaenoic acid, a nutrient absolutely vital for a healthy brain and nervous system
•Fights inflammation associated with heart disease and heals the lining of the arteries
•Reduces the size of atheromas clogging arteries and improves blood vessel function
•Studies have shown cod liver oil can protect against diseases like cancer and leukemia
•Effective in treating arthritis
•Helps maintain soft skin and minimize wrinkles
How does it benefit my child’s health?
From conception through adolescence, cod liver oil can provide developing children with what they need to thrive. Mothers who take cod liver oil during pregnancy and nursing protect their children from disease while providing them with important nutrients and fatty acids. For growing children, cod liver oil is important for healthy bones and teeth, as well as preventing common problems like ADHD. It’s also an excellent treatment for diaper rash and other skin conditions if used topically.
Synergy of Butter Oil and Cod Liver Oil
Research shows that butter oil and cod liver oil, taken together, provide complementary factors leading to proper essential fatty acid balance. High-vitamin butter oil contains arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, while cod liver oil is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3. Moreover, the saturated fatty acids in the butter oil promote efficient utilization of the unsaturated fatty acids in the cod liver oil. Finally, butter oil contains a broad and deep range of important quinones including Vitamin K, E and CoQ enzymes while cod liver oil is rich in Vitamin A and D.
Green Pasture’s High-Vitamin Butter Oil is extracted from dairy milk produced by Guernsey and Devon cows (high butterfat producers) that graze exclusively on irrigated grass in the northern Great Plains. This specific combination of climate and irrigation produces a rapidly growing specialized forage, ensuring optimal levels of Activator X as discovered by Dr. Price. Activator X and other nutrients are then further concentrated by putting the butterfat through a specialized low-temperature centrifuge process
Here is a link to an article about the benefit of cod liver oil and why it’s best taken with a high vitamin butter oil http://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil .
I’ve been taking FLCO since October 2011 and I can honestly say that I have seen an improvement in my own health. My hair and nails are stronger than they’ve ever been. My hair hasn’t been this thick since my last pregnancy 6 years ago. My skin feels and looks better. I usually have small bumps on my upper arms and they have virtually disappeared. My hormone level seems more even and no mood swings. One member told me her vision has improved since taking FCLO. My son thinks it’s helped him learn how to read! He loves it and actually requests it. My daughter, on the other hand, takes it only because she knows it’s good for her.
I have heard and seen several testimonies about FCLO increasing HDL (the good cholesterol) and have experienced it myself. My doctor has been tracking my HDL (and LDL) for the past 5 years and noticed that my HDL has been going up since 2011. The only significant dietary change I have made is adding FCLO to my diet. One of my closest friends has been taking the infused coconut oil that includes fclo and skate oils. Her HDL skyrocketed almost 50 points and her LDL lowered. Ironically we have the same doctor and she is now very interested in Fermented Cod Liver Oil.
Last year, my dentist told me I had a small “soft spot” on one of my molars that he wanted to keep an eye on. I doubled up on my fish oil and at my next visit he said it was no longer there! I have been told by others that using this product can help re-mineralize your teeth and reverse tooth decay and now I believe it.
My neighbor just started taking FCLO recently. She is also a breast cancer survivor for almost 14 years but has suffered from lymphedema (swelling in arms and hands). She told me shortly after taking fermented cod liver oil blend gel she has seen a significant reduction in her swelling and sense of well being she hasn’t felt in years!
If you have a testimony you’d like to share, please email me. I’d love to know how others in our co-op have seen the benefits of taking this wonderful product!
Nora’s recommendations:
I have personally tried every flavor and type of FCLO that Green Pasture carries. There are 2 that my entire family takes and we switch it up for variety- FCLO/HVBO Blend Gel- Cinnamon Tingle Flavor and Infused Coconut Oil- Carob Banana flavor.
I recommend shaking up the FCLO Blend Gels then storing it in the fridge upside down. It’s easier to scoop out that way. None of the products need refrigeration but I do only for this product. The infused coconut oils tend to harden up in the fridge so I just keep it on the counter.
My family has “family fish oil time” right after dinner. We take it with a little orange juice or something acidic to cleanse our palate.
Suggested Dosage:
FCLO/HVBO Blend Gel- Adults 1 teaspoon, children 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon depending on age
Infused Coconut Oils- Adults 1 tablespoon, children 1/4 to 1/2 tablespoon depending on age.
For other FCLO products see sources below for recommended dosage.
Dosage sources:
http://holisticsquid.com/how-much-cod-liver-oil-do-i-need/
http://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil/cod-liver-oil-basics
We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible
Gwinnett Locally Grown: The Market is open for ordering!
The Market is open Thursday at 9 – Monday at noon After that, ordering is disabled until Thursday morning. Pick up your order Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. only at Rancho Alegre Farm at 2225 Givens Road, Dacula, GA 30019. New to The Market? Learn about how it works here.
MARKET NEWS
Remember…
The Market is extending their hours! The Market will now be open from 4:00 to 7:00pm!
Having said that, if you place an order with us, PLEASE remember to pick it up on Tuesday. As I am so grateful for your orders, I also have a family at home waiting on me too! We cannot hold orders, especially cold items due to limited refrigeration space, so please be courteous and come for your order.
Highlighted Grower of the Week!
JavaGenesis Coffee Roasting is a small batch craft coffee roaster located in Bethlehem, Georgia. Their roast philosophy is to roast each bean to bring out the best characteristics of the coffee. Your coffee will arrive with the roast date on the package so you will know that you are drinking coffee at the peak of freshness. Whether you choose a medium or dark roast coffee, a single origin or blend (coming soon) or regular or decaf this means a great cup of coffee for you! Let them help you “Discover the Fresh Roast Difference!”*_
Each week, I want to remind you who our Grower’s are and why they are so special!
I mentioned before that we are expanding the Market and adding new items!
Remember we have Kombucha available! If you are not familiar with it, Kombucha is a naturally fermented tea with natural probiotics! It has been around for centuries originating in Asia. It is said to have healing properties and because it is naturally fermented, is a great support for the digestive system. When your here, ask me for a sample! I’d love your feedback!
If there is something you’d like to see in the Market, please let me know!*_
CLICK HERE NOW to Shop Gwinnett Locally Grown!
My best to all -
Shop often and eat well!
Cheryl Gelatt
Market Manager
grow@ranchoalegrefarm.com
Fresh Wishes,
Pilar Quintero
Market Host
Rancho Alegre Farm
Please email grow@ranchoalegrefarm.com for questions pertaining to Market or Raw Milk. It is very difficult to return phone calls. If you are interested in Goat’s Milk, contact Nic The Goat Guy at 404-542-0981. We generally have some goat’s milk available during market hours, whether you have placed a market order or not. Please contact him first though to confirm. Remember to interact with us on Facebook and follow us on Meetup to get notification on all our wonderful events and news.
Local Farms First: Pick-Up Reminder - Your Order is Ready!
Greetings Local Farms First Food Lovers,
Lots of tasty looking produce came back from the North Fork Valley today, so Don’t forget to pick up your order today between 4-6 PM
Crested Butte: The CB Pick-Up Location is The Daily Dose juice bar right next to Clark’s Grocery Store
Gunnison: The Local Market on 111 N. Main St.
Thistle Whistle Farm was excited to receive plastic bags from those of you that returned them to us. They will be reusing them to cut down on the new plastic they use for Local Farms First orders. Please keep the plastic bags coming back!
Thanks for supporting local family farms,
Erin Griffin – Market Manager
LocalFarmsFirst.org – a 501c3 non-profit
970-641-7682
click here to start shopping on the website:
www.LocalFarmsFirst.com
Old99Farm Market: Why Buy Local Food?
Try doing a google search on the phrase ‘why buy local food’ and you’ll get dozens of lists. I’ll be posting a few.
Here’s one of the best, from U Vermont.
http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/buylocal.html
by Vern Grubinger
Vegetable and Berry Specialist
University of Vermont Extension
Adapted from ‘Growing For Market’ newsletter article.
Vermont has a wide variety of farms. While known for our dairy production, there also many farms that raise fruits and vegetables, flowers and herbs, and animal products of all kinds. Our farmers are dedicated to stewardship and committed to quality. And while they love what they do, they aren’t doing it for entertainment. They need to make a living. Consumers that value fresh food and a working landscape should support local farmers by buying their products. Here are ten reasons why.
1) Locally grown food tastes and looks better. The crops are picked at their peak, and farmstead products like cheeses and are hand-crafted for best flavor. Livestock products are processed in nearby facilities and typically the farmer has direct relationship with processors, oversijng quality – unlike animals processed in large industrial facilities.
2) Local food is better for you. The shorter the time between the farm and your table, the less likely it is that nutrients will be lost from fresh food. Food imported from far away is older and has traveled on trucks or planes, and sat in warehouses before it gets to you.
3) Local food preserves genetic diversity. In the modern agricultural system, plant varieties are chosen for their ability to ripen uniformly, withstand harvesting, survive packing and last a long time on the shelf, so there is limited genetic diversity in large-scale production. Smaller local farms, in contrast, often grow many different varieties of crops to provide a long harvest season, an array of colors, and the best flavors. Livestock diversity is also higher where there are many small farms rather than few large farms.
4) Local food is safe. There’s a unique kind of assurance that comes from looking a farmer in the eye at farmers’ market or driving by the fields where your food comes from. Local farmers aren’t anonymous and they take their responsibility to the consumer seriously.
5) Local food supports local families. The wholesale prices that farmers get for their products are low, often near the cost of production. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middleman and get full retail price for their food – which helps farm families stay on the land.
6) Local food builds community. When you buy direct from a farmer, you’re engaging in a time-honored connection between eater and grower. Knowing farmers gives you insight into the seasons, the land, and your food. In many cases, it gives you access to a place where your children and grandchildren can go to learn about nature and agriculture.
7) Local food preserves open space. When farmers get paid more for their products by marketing locally, they’re less likely to sell farmland for development. When you buy locally grown food, you’re doing something proactive to preserve our working landscape. That landscape is an essential ingredient to other economic activity in the state, such as tourism and recreation.
8) Local food keeps taxes down. According to several studies by the American Farmland Trust, farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services, whereas most development contributes less in taxes than the cost of required services. Cows don’t go to school, tomatoes don’t dial 911.
9) Local food benefits the environment and wildlife. Well-managed farms provide ecosystem services: they conserve fertile soil, protect water sources, and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. The farm environment is a patchwork of fields, meadows, woods, ponds and buildings that provide habitat for wildlife in our communities.
10) Local food is an investment in the future. By supporting local farmers today, you are helping to ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow. That is a matter of importance for food security, especially in light of an uncertain energy future and our current reliance on fossil fuels to produce, package, distribute and store food.
Published: April 2010