Less than two generations ago most of the food found on the average person’s table was grown or produced within 100 miles from where they resided. Today, the average distance food travels is over 1500 miles. And this figure really doesn’t account for out of season food stuffs that are shipped internationally from the far reaches of the globe.

In days past, there was clearly less of a choice in the matter. Every corner didn’t have a super market stocked floor to ceiling with packaged and fresh foods. Even the smallest of towns today seem able to support two or more major grocery chains.

 photo credit: heathervescent

Obviously, the systems of the past held vast limitations, and at the same time, were filled with hidden wisdom which seem to have been lost in the modern age of convenience. Supporting local farmers and meat producers was simply the only way for people to get the foods they ate. Traditions of food preservation were taught and handed down in the home. Seasonal planning was an important skill insuring foods were available to the family year round, long after harvest and butchering had occurred.

There are many smart reasons for shopping locally today. Included in the list is our desire to eat more healthy, and purchasing foods at your local farmers market increases your opportunity to eat organic. Not every local producer is certified organic, however. Given that many smaller producers are simply making a living by selling locally, they may not go through the official certification processes to gain “Organic” stamped on what they grow.

Since much of what is produced to be sold locally doesn’t need to travel that average of 1500 miles to the super market shelf, it tends to be grown with far fewer pesticides and other inorganic substances.

The energy costs for producing and distributing food locally also massively reduces the overall environmental impact of the fruits, vegetables and meats you’re likely to buy at the farmers market.

Another often overlooked factor to buying locally has to do with just how much money farmers receive for their efforts. Large conglomerate agribusinesses are making on average about 18 cents for every dollar you spend at the super market. Conversely, locally delivered foods net the farmer much closer to 80% on the dollar.

Most of us today are very familiar with super markets and have come to view the pristine produce aisles as the “standard” when it comes to the foods we’re purchasing. Prepare yourself for a shock when you do make the choice to head out to the farmers market. Here are some handy tips to bear in mind:

• Remember that local doesn’t equate to cheap. There are going to be some deals there, however, these farmers usually don’t have the luxury of government subsidies nor savings of scale.
• Be as fair to the farmers as you can when it comes to haggling for a lower price. Remember, they are not trying to rip you off. If they could charge less and still make the process worth their while, they likely would mark the prices lower. Regular, good customers will naturally get extended better pricing.
• Adjust your thinking when it comes to what and when you purchase. Farmers, inherently, spend most of their time farming. If they are at the market selling their products, take advantage of the opportunity then. Learn (re-learn) techniques to preserve foods, and buy twice as much this week. You may not see that farmer or that particular item for the rest of the season.
• Bear in mind that much of what you’ll find locally is not going to be as “pretty” as the local big box grocery store. The flavors, however are likely to be far and away better than factory farmed foods.

Be sure to bring your own bags when you shop, and if you can bring small denomination bills, you’ll find the farmers will appreciate and respect you more. And these are all ways for you to increase your support of locally produced foods and likely make new friends in the process.