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...helps the
local economy
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Using the economic
multiplier principle, every dollar you spend on locally
grown foods means at least an extra three dollars in the
local economy.
Buying locally
grown food stimulates small business development in food
production, processing, distribution, storage and marketing.
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...is good
for the environment
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Buying locally
grown food uses less fossil fuel, because the food is not
transported long distances.
Local food is
often sold shortly after harvest. This means less material
and energy is used to make packages, and less packaging
waste goes to the dump.
As in agriculture
in general, many farmers who grow for local markets use
conservation tilling and other practices to improve soil
quality, control diseases and minimize the use of herbicides,
pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. When you are close
to the source of your food, you can find out how your food
is grown and support sustainable farming practices.
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...creates
a sense of community
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It feels good
to know who has grown the food on your plate.
We can be proud
of the foods and cuisine characteristics of our community.
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...builds food
security
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Buying local
foods supports local farmers and rural communities, and
helps to ensure that the foods that are produced now will
continue to be available.
When there is
contact between the producer and the consumer, farmers can
educate consumers about agricultural issues, and build support
for policies that are good for farmers. In turn, consumers
can educate farmers about what they want.
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...tastes good
and is nutritious!
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Freshly picked
produce generally tastes better than produce that is picked
green and stored.
Many of the
locally produced foods that are available are minimally
processed. These foods have little or no added fat, salt
and sugar.
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