10 reasons to buy local food

1. Locally grown food tastes better. The average distance food travels from farm to plate is 1,500 miles. Food looses the quality of taste over time.
2. Local produce is better for  you.  Fresh produce loses nutrients quickly.
3. Local food preserves genetic diversity.  Unlike large farms that seek a standardized product that ships well, local farmers grow a wide variety of plants that grow well in their area and taste good.
4. Local food is GMO-free.  Most all of the genetically modified seeds are being sold to large factory-style farms.
5. Local food supports local farm families.  There are now fewer than 1 million full-time farmers in the US.  Cutting out the middle man provides farmers with a better income for the food they produce.  Farmers now get less than 10 cents of the retail food dollar.
6. Local food builds community.  Buying directly from the farmer re-establishes the long standing connection between the eater and the grower. Also, isn't it nice to know who grows your food?
7. Local food preserves open space. When the value of land for farming in urban areas can compete  with other development options it is more likely to be preserved as fields of crops.
8. Local food keeps your taxes in check.  Farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services, unlike suburban development costs.
9. Local food supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife.  A well managed family farm is a place where the resources of fertile soil and clean water are valued.  A patchwork of fields, meadows, woods, ponds and buildings also provides the perfect environment for many species of wildlife.
10. Local food is about the future.  By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow, and that future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful and abundant food.

This material was adapted from Growing For Market, the national monthly journal for direct market farmers.