MADISON CO., N.Y. — Do you know where your tomatoes come from? Browsing the aisles of the supermarket, you may not consider this factor when choosing your produce – it is much easier to notice the brightest colors or, more often, the lowest price. However, did you know that where your food is grown can have a huge impact on its quality, taste, and even its nutritional benefits? It may seem like a modern marvel that we are able to buy strawberries in the dead of winter, but those strawberries have had to travel hundreds, if not thousands of miles to arrive in your upstate New York supermarket. To survive this journey, they were likely picked before they were ripe and stored at very cool temperatures before arriving at the store. Buying local has many benefits, both nutritionally and community based.
Buying local reduces environmental impact. Locally owned businesses make more local purchases, requiring less transportation. It also means that the food has traveled less to get to the place in which you are purchasing it from.
Keeps our Community Unique. One of the unique things about Upstate New York is its wide-open, green spaces. By buying local from farms or area markets, you are helping one-of-a-kind businesses. They add to the distinctive character of our areas and preserve open space.
Know your product. Buying from a local producer allows you to ask questions to learn about the operation. You get to choose the food or product that fits your wants and needs. If you want organic practices, grass fed, no pesticides, etc., whatever it is, you can ask your producer and they’ll let you know what sustainable practices they’ve used!
“Buying local and supporting the farmers within your county or surrounding counties helps you nutritionally to get riper, higher nutrition foods, but also allows your dollars to stay more local. By keeping your dollars local, we keep our area farmers in business and maintain our picturesque greenscape,” says Ag Economic Development Specialist Jenn Farwell, at Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
If you are interested in buying local, the Cottage Lawn Farmers Market will be hosting a Taste of Oneida event on June 19! This event is focused on showcasing the array of delicious food that is produced right here in our area, including a chef demonstration! Join them on June 19 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Cottage Lawn Farmer’s Market, at 435 Main Street, Oneida, NY and taste for yourself how just how delicious local food can be!
CCE of Madison County has been serving the community since 1917. We are proud to be part of the Cornell land grant mission of building strong and vibrant communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. Please visit us at our office in Morrisville (100 Eaton Street) or on the web at madisoncountycce.org.
Cornell Cooperative Extension actively supports equal educational and employment opportunities. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, religion, political beliefs, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender/gender identity, transgender status, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension is committed to the maintenance of affirmative action programs that will assure the continuation of such equality of opportunity.
–CCE of Madison County
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