by Chas Bonner
Local Agriculture
We read more each day about local focus as it relates to agriculture. As has been mentioned in an earlier blog, the word “locovore” (local eater) was added to Webster’s dictionary in 2007, and there is continuing pressure for “locally grown” food from consumers, trade organizations, and local governments.
On February 19, there was an article in the Idaho Statesman discussing the advantages of local agriculture and keeping business local. It adds to employment, keeps dollars in the local community, saves tremendous amounts of energy (17% of all U.S. energy use is attributed to agriculture and food), and gets supply more in line with demand.
Many new organizations are cropping up in virtually every community---Sustainable Community Connections, Food Coalitions, Organic Growers Associations, and others, all of which incorporate “local” in their efforts.
It is no longer the “fringe” population that is shopping and eating in this manner. For instance, organically grown food was once considered a “leftist cult” when it began in the early 60’s. Fifty years later it is mainstream. Most supermarkets today maintain a full organic section. Over the 5 years before 2008, the growth of organic food sales was in excess of 20% each year, although 2008 was flat (as reported by A.C. Nielsen Co).
Probably the only downside to the “locally grown” effort might be to food exports which are extremely important to U.S. agriculture, and by far the largest net contributor to our balance of payments.
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