4 Benefits of Buying in Local Farms
More and more people now choose to buy food from local farms. They pick producers and small businesses near home that ensure fresh, organic vegetables and fruits. Not only because it is more convenient, but because local farms bring many health benefits to the table!
Local Food Tastes Better
Locally grown fruits and vegetables are generally picked and eaten at the peak of their freshness. And because it is closer to home, they travel fewer miles from the farm to the table. That means food maintains its natural flavors and is crisp.
Moreover, local food preserves genetic diversity. In the modern agricultural system, varieties are chosen for their ability to ripen chemically. On the other hand, local farms grow a huge number of varieties for harvesting all year long, a practice that translates into an array of colors and flavors.
Local Farms Help the Environment
Did you know that the food industry is one of the main drivers of climate change? Industrially produced foods have a bigger carbon footprint and higher water usage. When you choose to buy locally, you are picking vegetables that have traveled 100 miles (or less), reducing CO2 emissions.
Also, local farms help to save green spaces in cities and towns. As the demand grows, new young farmers come to market and are less likely to sell their land to developers.
Local Food is Healthier
This could be the most important benefit of locally grown food! Studies have confirmed that organic, fresh vegetables and fruits contain more nutrients than their industrially manipulated pairs.
Why? Experts agree that letting the produce ripen naturally plays in favor of fiber and nutrients. Even better if we consume it during their season.
While supermarket food is completely safe, locally grown produce may be safer. When vegetables and fruits are imported and out of season, they are often picked unripe and artificially “ripened” with ethylene gas.
Local Farms Connect Communities
There is a reason why it’s called “local” beyond the geographic area the farm belongs to. Local farms focus on the communities they live in, they produce clean food to sell primarily to their neighbors, which is a great way to connect and unite people.
When you buy direct from the farmer, you are helping to re-establish the ancient connection between the eater and the grower.