Buying Local Makes
Sense
(updated
06.27.08)
|
 The
roadside vegetable stand is a classic summer-time scene. Whether a
flatbed wagon or a table and tent, the piles of red ripe tomatoes, sun
yellow squash, and juicy melons are an enticing treat to our dulled
winter taste buds. However, these summer produce stands offer more
than a nostalgic tradition. Along with their counterparts—farmers’
markets and community supported agriculture—these local businesses are
valuable assets to our community, environment, and health.
The markets in northeast Indiana offer a vast array of products.
Everything from blueberries, apples, cucumbers, onions, meat, poultry,
eggs, cheese, nuts, breads, desserts, honey, syrup, jams, and herbs fill
the bins and cases. |
| The benefits of purchasing
products from these home-grown businesses are numerous. |
- First ~ buying
locally supports the local economy. It keeps money cycling
within your neighborhood, helps support farmer’s livelihoods, and
can create job opportunities. Buying direct from local
producers means they keep more of the profits, helping to sustain
their operation.
- Second ~ produce
raised locally requires less energy consumption from field to table.
An apple grown in Washington will be transported hundreds of miles
to northeast Indiana where you buy it at a supermarket. All
this shipping consumes fuel and creates air, water, soil, and noise
pollution. A local farmer can bring food to your table in just
a few miles.
- Third ~
locally-grown produce is flavorful, fresher, and may contain more
nutrients than fruits and veggies shipped across the country.
Since growers can sell their products within several hours after
harvesting, fruits and vegetables are at the height of their flavor
and nutrient value. Produce raised here can be grown for
flavor, whereas produce raised for distant markets is grown to
withstand days in shipment.
- Fourth ~ buying
from local markets creates connectivity within communities. It
connects you to the land from which your food comes and the people
who plant, care, and harvest it for you.
|
As the seasons change, the
roadside stands will close, but many area farmers’ markets stay open
year-round. Although, the produce may not be as bountiful, dairy,
breads, meat, and preserved items are often available.
|
| There are many stands and markets
in our area. Phone books and the internet offer listings for some farms
and markets. The following links are just a few of the places you
can look to find a produce stand in your area. |
|
2008
Directory of Indiana Farmer's Markets
USDA Farmers Market
Search Engine
Indiana
Market Maker
Going Local
|
Word of mouth is another
excellent way to locate local produce businesses.
However you locate them, make
buying locally a habit.
Soon, the sights, smells, and sounds of the market will have you filling
bags to the brim.
Indiana
Fruits and Vegetable Harvest Schedule
|
|
written by Elkhart County Soil and
Water Conservation District |
|
