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Why choose local foods?

 

Our belief is in the benefits of locally grown and locally available foods.

 

Benefits for your health:

When purchasing locally at farm stands and farmers markets, you have control over where the foods were grown, how the foods were produced, what has gone into the foods, and more importantly, what hasn’t gone into the foods! Additionally, smaller scale farms have a better opportunity to use Earth-friendly and health-friendly techniques, like organic farming, not using hormones, growth stimulants, and anti-biotics, which in the end result is far better for the health of the consumer.

 

Benefits to the Earth:

Commercial, large scale agriculture has one goal when producing food: Grow as much as possible, as fast as possible, for as little as possible. More often than not, these methods leave the quality of the food, and the health of the Earth, as an afterthought. Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides used in large scale production, can indeed produce large crops, but are horrible for the Earth! The products are then packed into trucks and train cars and shipped all over the world, further increasing the footprint of the food product.

Local farms on the other hand, producing food to be sold locally, have a much lighter footprint on the Earth. They don’t need to ramp up production to industrial levels, because the goods are only being sold locally, and the farms don’t have the capacity to produce on a massive scale anyway. The transportation impact is much less, as the mode of transport to the local market is often the farmers pickup truck, and for a larger local farm, the goods still don’t travel far. Also, local farms often produce multiple types of goods, which is much healthier for the soils, as different types of plants allow for a healthier soil recharge. Additionally, many smaller scale farms use organic techniques in their farming, which by design are much more Earth friendly.

 

Benefits to your palate:

The concept is simple: fresher food is tastier food. There is no better place for the epicurean cook than the local farmers market. Ultra fresh food, and a great variety! Sometimes the savvy shopper can find vendors with very unusual ingredients, for that special addition to their recipes! Additionally, the local farmers work with the knowledge that the produce is going to a local market, and can leave the food on the plant longer for a fuller, fresher taste, as opposed to the commercial farms that pick unripe fruit and veggies assuming they will 'ripen' on the truck. Local foods from local farms just taste better.

 

Benefits to support local farmer:

In San Diego, there are many family owned farms that are a part of the American tradition of self-sufficiency and serve as the base of local communities and people. With each local food purchase, more of your money is spent on food that goes directly to the local farmers. Local farmers spend their money with local merchants and the money stays in the community.

 

Benefits to your education:

Using all of your five senses - sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch - would help to gain knowledge of local foods. Plus, communication between farmers and the public would help build your knowledge and wisdom of local foods! 

 

 

How can we find local foods in San Diego?

 

You can find local foods in San Diego from two lists: Certified Farmers' Markets and Farm Stands, or our Interactive Map in our website. You can make your own decision. Eat what you view!

 

  


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    Last modified: 05/10/09