Supporting local food and farmers means that the food you eat is grown and produced in your local area and that the money you spend on that food benefits local farmers and producers. There are many reasons to support local farmers.
1. Eat real food, not unhealthy processed food
Locally grown food tastes better because it has had less time in transit and/or less time to sit around. This state of freshness also ensures that the food stays packed with its intended and initial nutrients. Change all your grains, pulses, spice, salt as well as oils, ghee to organic. It will make you 50 percent organic improving your health. People wonder what they are paying for when it comes to organic food. Traditional products have pesticides and fertilizers that are unsafe.
2. Know your food
Meeting farmers and artisans is a great way to understand various foods. You get to know where your food comes from. Organic food is safe and pure. It is more nutritious and environment-friendly, as well. It protects against diseases. Have the pleasure of knowing what goes into each meal of yours.
3. Power to the people
Through collective will, purchasing power and social media, we can create a difference in the lives of those who help us every day. Locally grown food helps build communities because when you buy directly from the farmer you are building a relationship while also helping to support local farmers who provide for you as much as they are providing for their own families.
4. No more GMO’s
Many studies conducted by acclaimed organizations have often shown that genetically modified crops have an adverse effect on our health. Even if the side effects aren’t obvious initially, they leave an impact on future generations. It is believed that consumption of these genetically engineered foods can cause the development of diseases which are immune to antibiotics. Besides, as these foods are new inventions, not much is known about their long term effects on human beings.
5. Seasonable
With the four major seasons in India, we can see that each season holds some significance with respect to the food produced. It is always beneficial to eat the food that corresponds to the season, that way we will lead a healthy life, like that of our ancestors. Often seasonal produce turns out to be the best thing in that season to consume.
6. Sustainable
Organic and local farmers are known for their deep respect for the natural world. They use less fossil fuel, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and often depend on human labour rather than chemicals and energy-intensive technology. Sustainable farms encourage biodiversity, conserve scarce water resources, and build healthy soil through techniques like composting and planting cover crops.
7. Support farmers family
The best is always saved for the last. When you buy from a farmer, it gives them a better return for their produce and gives them and their family a fighting chance in today’s globalized economy.
As they say, “On the eighth day, God created the farmer.” Small farms across the land are what helped build our nation. Hard working folks work 365 days a year growing and raising food the old-fashioned and natural way and are finding it hard to keep their farms running. Why not support local farmers?