Typically, farming is seen in rural areas, but urban and suburban locations are beginning to produce, sell and consume food locally. And, there is an increased demand for locally-grown food in urban and suburban areas, so many people are interested in starting small farms without moving to stereotypical “farm land.”
The Daily Democrat states that not even 3 percent of locally-grown food remains local. The solution lies in creating better modes of distribution to local markets. The 2014 Farm Bill includes $78 million that will go toward developing local networks and methods of distribution.
These urban and suburban farms will create jobs and provide an opportunity for better-quality food to be produced and distributed.
From The Daily Democrat:
“The growing local food movement is sometimes portrayed as a quaint, but not particularly serious business, but there are examples of it fostering economic development, creating jobs and improving the quality and security of food all over the country.”
Related story: Breaking: President signs 2014 farm bill
Via: The Daily Democrat > A new vision for urban farming
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Good read; of course locally-grown produce is in demand.
Go to the “big box” grocers and get 1 maybe 2 varieties of fruits or vegetables, which can lay on the shelves for weeks without spoiling. tomatoes like “pink tennis balls” from Mexico.
Buy good organic foods.
P.S.
Another good read: Is Your Bread 18% Sawdust?
Meet the 15 Huge Companies That Feed You WOOD
http://www.infiniteunknown.net/2011/07/09/meet-the-15-food-companies-that-serve-you-wood-pepsi-kellogg-weight-watchers-general-mills-mcdonalds-kfc-yums-brands-taco-bell-pizza-hut-wendys-arbys-nestle-etc/
I like the fact that locally grown food has only positive sides of a coin. You can be sure organic food is gluten-free, GMO-free, without any substitutes and much healthier when compared to massively produced food from supermarkets. In addition, purchasing from local producers, you directly support free trade, community well-being, job creation and enhance the opportunity to produce high-quality food. I believe the US Farm Bill brings much support to farmers communities and thereby to citizens who favour buying local products. Being from Canada, I sincerely hope we get inspired by this kind of thinking. I myself try to shop at markets as much as I can to pick up fresh in-season food. Toronto is blessed to have plenty options for that. Couple of recommendations, whenever in Toronto have a walk around these: Top 10 Places in Toronto to Buy Local Food.