As we move into the summer season, the lack of fresh,
locally grown food is replaced by a bounty. Many of us will be heading
to farmers markets or participating in CSA’s (Community Supported
Agriculture), which are fun and social ways to stimulate the local
economy and bring home the freshest and tastiest fruits and vegetables.
Braddock Farm - Allegheny County
Over
the last fifteen years, consumer demand for food that is locally produced,
marketed, and consumed is generating increased interest throughout the United
States. People want to buy local foods. However, as the interest grows, so do
questions about what constitutes local food and what characterizes and defines a
local food system. In many parts of Pennsylvania as well as the country, there are
not enough farmers to supply farmers markets in every community.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 95% of the calories that feed our nation are derived from international and large national agribusiness farms. We eat grapes from Chile, bananas from Colombia, strawberries, broccoli, almonds and other vegetables from California. With local food and the celebrity chefs permeating so much of popular culture and industry sectors, it is surprising to know that only 5 % of the food we eat each day comes from our local area. Think of this as you eat throughout the year, especially in winter.
Local food markets account for a small but growing share of total U.S. agricultural sales. Here are some statistics from the US Department of Agriculture 2007 Agriculture Census
The term “local food system” (or “regional food system”) is used to describe a method of food production and distribution that is geographically localized, rather than national and/or international. Food is grown (or raised) and harvested close to consumers' homes, then distributed over much shorter distances than is common in the conventional global industrial food system. In general, local/regional food systems are associated with sustainable agriculture, while the global industrial food system is reliant upon industrial agriculture.
A “local food system” is a method of food production and distribution that is geographically local, rather than national and/or international. Food is grown and harvested close to where we live, then distributed over much shorter distances than is common in most of the food we buy in our local grocery stores.
In addition, the creation of relationships between farmers and their urban/suburban customers through direct-to-consumer markets can help preserve farmland as protecting family farms becomes a shared goal for both farmers and their local consumers.
Unlike large industrial farms, small family farms are more likely to spend their dollars in the community on farm-related inputs (e.g., machinery, seeds, farm supplies, etc.); in addition, food grown locally, processed locally, and distributed locally (for example, to local restaurants) generates jobs and subsequently helps stimulate local economies.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could buy local fresh fruits and vegetables over the course of the summer growing season in Pennsylvania? Think about that the next time you bite into broccoli, strawberries, asparagus or other produce either at home or in your favorite restaurant.
For more see --
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 95% of the calories that feed our nation are derived from international and large national agribusiness farms. We eat grapes from Chile, bananas from Colombia, strawberries, broccoli, almonds and other vegetables from California. With local food and the celebrity chefs permeating so much of popular culture and industry sectors, it is surprising to know that only 5 % of the food we eat each day comes from our local area. Think of this as you eat throughout the year, especially in winter.
Local food markets account for a small but growing share of total U.S. agricultural sales. Here are some statistics from the US Department of Agriculture 2007 Agriculture Census
- Direct to consumer marketing accounted for $1.2 bill dollars in 2007 compared to $551 million in 1997
- Direct to consumer sales accounted for 0.4 percent of total agricultural sales in 2007, up from 0.3 percent in 1997.
- The number of farmers markets rose to 5,274 in 2009, up from 2,756 in 1998 and 1,755 in 1994.
The term “local food system” (or “regional food system”) is used to describe a method of food production and distribution that is geographically localized, rather than national and/or international. Food is grown (or raised) and harvested close to consumers' homes, then distributed over much shorter distances than is common in the conventional global industrial food system. In general, local/regional food systems are associated with sustainable agriculture, while the global industrial food system is reliant upon industrial agriculture.
A “local food system” is a method of food production and distribution that is geographically local, rather than national and/or international. Food is grown and harvested close to where we live, then distributed over much shorter distances than is common in most of the food we buy in our local grocery stores.
In addition, the creation of relationships between farmers and their urban/suburban customers through direct-to-consumer markets can help preserve farmland as protecting family farms becomes a shared goal for both farmers and their local consumers.
Unlike large industrial farms, small family farms are more likely to spend their dollars in the community on farm-related inputs (e.g., machinery, seeds, farm supplies, etc.); in addition, food grown locally, processed locally, and distributed locally (for example, to local restaurants) generates jobs and subsequently helps stimulate local economies.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could buy local fresh fruits and vegetables over the course of the summer growing season in Pennsylvania? Think about that the next time you bite into broccoli, strawberries, asparagus or other produce either at home or in your favorite restaurant.
For more see --
Author Contact Information
Extension Educator, Ag Entrepreneurship & Economic & Community Development Extension Team
The Penn State Center Pittsburgh
Energy Innovation Center Suite A
1435 Bedford Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Energy Innovation Center Suite A
1435 Bedford Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Email:
hem12@psu.edu
Extension Educator, Ag Entrepreneurship & Economic & Community Development Extension Team
Email:
ptw3@psu.edu
Phone: 570-296-3400 x145
