After meeting with a local farmer in Virginia last week and learning about the bureaucracy "certified organic," I am shifting my efforts from buying "certified organic" to buying fresh from my local Farmers in Virginia. I invite you to do the same in your state.
So, why Buy Local?
You Will Get Exceptional Taste and Freshness
Local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries. Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life.
You'll Strengthen Your Local Economy
Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community. Getting to know the farmers who grow your food builds relationships based on understanding and trust, the foundation of strong communities.
You'll Support Endangered Family Farms
There's never been a more critical time to support your farming neighbors. With each local food purchase, you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes to the farmer.
You Will Safeguard Your Family's Health
Knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown or raised enables you to choose safe food from farmers who avoid or reduce their use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified seed in their operations.
You'll Protect the Environment
Local food doesn't have to travel far. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials. Buying local food also helps to make farming more profitable and selling farmland for development less attractive.
Buying Local is This Easy
Find a farmer, farmers' market, farm stand, CSA, restaurant, retailer, or other local food outlet near you.
Visit http://www.buylocalvirginia.org for more information.