Do you know where most of your fruits and vegetables come from? A variety of these produce products can be shipped from different states and even countries. According to the Center for Environmental Education, each year 817 million tons of food is shipped around the world causing transportation of food being one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse emissions. Another source, Farmers Market Authority, states that “produce purchased in supermarkets travel an average of 1,300 miles for about 7-10 days.” To help keep its ripeness, many pesticides are used to help keep it from spoiling before reaching its destination. A way to help reduce emissions and the use of pesticides, is buying produce from local farmers markets. By doing this, it help supports local farmers, agriculture and provides the sense of freshness when buying fruits and vegetables. In our local towns there are always farmers markets located outside or in parking lots. Although one may think it could be risky buying through unknown farmers, it is another great way to avoid the cost of organic and the nasty pesticides used while being grown. To feel more comfortable buying through a local farmers market, getting to know the actual farmer and the process they go through to grow their produce is a very effective way to earning their trust and business. Just like CSA’s their produce is usually sold within the 24 hours they were picked. Buying from a local farmer not only benefits the farmer himself, but also our community. He receives the higher profit without the middleman. Farmers Market Authority briefly gives a explains that “studies prove that fresh produce loses nutrients quickly...produce purchased locally was probably picked within the past day or two and provides crispy, sweet and flavorful food.” Local farmers are usually more passionate about selling the freshest quality of produce to their consumers. Farmers may also have organic certification, which gives the consumer confidence of the “organic” label without paying the expensive price of an organic product. By purchasing locally, it keeps local farmers around for a good amount of time allowing more generations to stay involved in buying nourishing produce.
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| Above is a chart to just show the difference between prices in Austin Texas |
Here are some links to websites for CSA's ( Community Supported Agriculture) in Colorado :
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