Wednesday, 16 October 2013

What To Know About Foods Grown Locally

By Megan Landry


Local food movements are popping up all around the world. These are a collaborative effort to create food economies that are based around local production and can self-reliant. Those who are avid supports are generally interested in purchasing foods, and other products, that are grown locally. They tend to have a preference for these goods instead of those that come from institutions that are corporatized.

There are many benefits that come with such economies. Most strive to create sustainable production, consumption, distribution and processing. This is done as a way to enhance the social, environmental and economic health of a particular area.

Food systems is defined as how the food reaches its consumers and its production. It may also be used to reference the food selections of people. The main components that are associated with these systems: biological, social or cultural, and economic or political. The term biological refers tot the organic process of producing foods. When it comes to moderation of participants and the control in a system, the terms economic or political are used. Social and cultural refers to the cultural and personal relations and values in a community and how that affects food use.

Local systems of this type are considered an alternative. This is because it is different than the corporate and global models often used and including producers and consumers being separated by numerous other parties, such as processors, shippers, manufacturers or retailers. The traditional systems have become extremely complex networks with various parts. The objective of a local system is to increase food security, and ensure economic, social and ecological sustainability of communities.

There are numerous reasons why people prefer these systems. Most programs associated with this movement offer convenience. People can do one-stop shopping and receive their food and products easily. There are some groups that even offer weekly deliveries throughout the growing season. Another perk is the freshness of the products. Products served in this manner are typically produced, cleaned, handled, stored and given out using processes that preserve the quality, character, texture and taste. Most are freshly harvested and safe.

Additionally, things produced locally are also usually sustainable. They come from gardens and farms of locals. This is important to ensuring that purchases are made within local economies and allows the original producers the chance to strengthen their businesses and diversify. It helps sustain businesses that are locally operated.

There are critics of these systems. However, supporters are quick to make note of the economic, community and environmental positives that come of eating local. In terms of community, this type of set up encourages interaction between the locals. Environmentally, this involves minimally processed goods grown in season and locally, which is friendly to the world climate and requires less energy use. When it comes to the economy, these systems offer investments that provide social and economic opportunities for residents.

Many benefits are available through foods and products grown locally. Some people criticize this alternative approach as a food system. Nonetheless, supporters say there are economic, environmental and community benefits that come with these local food systems. Those interested in this movement should search to find out what is available in their area of residence.




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