MADISON CO., N.Y. — There are many benefits to buying locally grown food, and each person has their reasons for their choices. Locally grown food creates an important opportunity for economic and environmental resilience in your community. It also helps bring the community together and gives people the opportunity to build relationships. Additionally, local food tastes better and lasts longer because it hasn’t been shipped long distances!
Economic Impact: If you choose to buy food from local food producers, your money stays in your community. As a recent study by USDA found, the economic benefits of farmers’ markets may extend beyond the market and spill over to nearby businesses. Another study found evidence that farmers’ markets increase property values.
Farmland is preserved: When local farms prosper, farmland is protected. Without small scale farms, the land might otherwise be developed for housing developments. Additionally, farmland attracts biodiversity and gives animals, insects and birds a place to live and thrive near your home.
Peace of Mind: One of the most satisfying parts of buying local farm-grown food is knowing your purchase makes a difference in the life of a neighboring farm family. Your purchase helps to build your social capital and the integrity of your community.
Whatever the reason, buying locally grown food is an important way to support your community. As Michael Pollan says in his book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma: “Imagine if we could eat every meal knowing a few simple things: What it is we’re eating. Where it came from. How it found its way to our table”.
Are you interested in learning more about where your food comes from? Would you like to meet your local farmer? Join us October 12th for a 5-course locally sourced dinner. Dine with local farmers, and hear about their lives, challenges and successes stories. This free dinner is one of a 4-part series called Food For Thought. The goal is to bridge the gap between farmer and consumer and start robust conversations about our food system here in Madison County.
Space is limited. Register now by going to: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/foodforthought_225.
All necessary COVID precautions will be followed.
For more information, contact Susan Parker at 315-684-3001 ext. 101.
–Susan Parker
Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County
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