Why go organic? Part V – Support local farmers!

You’ll probably feel good about your purchase when you head to the local farmer’s market for fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables. It’s a nice feeling to know that the food you eat is as nutritious as possible, but there’s another reason you can get great satisfaction from your commitment to going organic. Every time you go to your local outlet to buy produce, did you know that you are supporting local farmers and the environment? Fresher food and a cleaner planet are just two of the reasons why you and your family enjoy only organic food.

Organic farming is often a family affair, with all family members pitching in to help run the business. There are far fewer family farms in the United States than there were in the days when such things were commonplace rather than unusual. But now, with the added demand for organic foods from savvy consumers, the number of organic farms to produce these foods and farmers markets as a means of distributing fresh produce has grown by leaps and bounds. There are also roadside stalls in some areas, as well as shopping cooperatives and even your local supermarket. Organic farmers sell the different foods they grow in all of these places and are finding that business is booming.

This type of support tells farmers that they are on the right track and gives them an added incentive to make sure that the produce, eggs, beef, pork, poultry, cheeses and honey are of the highest quality. It helps these farmers stay in business and can help prevent rural communities from slowly moving towards the city limits. Sustainable organic farming will ensure that the family-owned and operated farm that produced those tomatoes you enjoyed in your salad can continue to grow and sell organic produce for years to come.

Local farmers also help keep their area’s economy in balance, since their food dollars stay in the area instead of in the coffers of some big conglomerate. If your local farmer’s market is a farmers market only, then you’ll be getting the freshest food money can buy. You are buying your food directly from the farmers who grew it. These farmers decide the prices you pay, and they are typically less than what you would pay for organic food at a grocery store.

The most popular of all organic foods sold in the United States, you can be sure that these items are truly organic, as these farmers must follow certain rules and regulations in order to claim that their products are organic. And remember: “natural” foods are not the same as organic foods! The best organic food of all is the one that is grown closest to where you live. You are helping both the farmer and the environment when you cut out the middleman and buy direct from the source!