As part of the climate change agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, some governments (e.g., Canadian and the Netherlands) are seeking to restrict the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, which would have a significant impact on crop yields, sustainability, and farm financial viability.
As customers, it is critical that you support your farmers, the farming community and local farmer markets, by spending your money on products that will help boost your local economy. By choosing fresh produce that is either farmed locally, or at least in your country or region, you will be helping to keep your farmers in business, which will help your local communities and small businesses continue to thrive.
Some of you reading this might be thinking…where do I start with this? I don’t know what is locally grown or even where the family-run grocery stores are.
Everyone’s lifestyle and situation is different. All we ask is that you do your best with the options you have.
- If farmers can sell directly to customers or directly to a family owned business or market, they will have higher profit margins that will help stimulate employment and the local economy, rather than corporations.
- If you do not support local producers, then you become totally reliant on multinationals for your food supply. The international food supply chain can be shut down at any time, and as we’ve seen, limited.
- Supporting local grocery stores and farmers markets minimises costs for both businesses and customers (i.e., petrol (gas) costs, save on maintenance costs for your vehicle.
- More money floating in your community means fairer prices while it decreases unemployment and thus crime, eventually.
- Local entrepreneurship increases as demands for local produce increases.
- If local businesses are prospering, they’re more likely to reinvest in local non-profits and commuity improvement initiatives. This in turn, increases the value of your home and property.
- Schools are safer when communities are stronger and supported.
- By buying locally and supporting your farmers and markets, you are investing in your children’s future and community.
- Local food is often healthier than factory-produced food.
- There is less transportation involved, so the produce is fresher and thus lasts longer.
- Buying from farmers and local markets provides a wider selection of seasonal produce and thus encourages a broader spectrum of food choices, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
- Buying local often means the ingredients used are from locally sourced suppliers.
- Costs of food remain relatively consistent, as they aren’t paying shelving fees required from large grocery stores.
- Shopping locally allows the customer to put more thought into making a purchase. i.e., shopping at the local butcher knowing the money is going to feed histhe (not his) family rather than buying from a supermarket where the money is going to another big corporation.
- There is more personal care put into local products than factory-produced products.
- The shopping experience is often more enjoyable with better customer service.
- Local shops can more easily accommodate for elderly, blind, hard of hearing, and/or people with disabilities.
- Shopping local is a great way to connect personally with your community.
- You’re more likely to find a unique product when shopping locally.
- Local shops know their products better and can explain them in more detail rather than someone who works in a big-box store.
to Download the video