WHY BUY LOCAL?
- FRESHNESS, TASTE & NUTRITION. Food that is picked and eaten at the height of ripeness is the most nutritious, and tastes the best. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are often harvested within 24 hours of purchase. Produce from California, on the other hand, is already four to six days old when it arrives in Montana grocery stores.
- VARIETY. Many conventional producers are limited to crop varieties that are developed for high yields, long-distance shipping, and a long shelf-life. Local producers can raise and sell unusual heirloom varieties that are better suited for local conditions, and taste delicious.
- ENERGY CONSERVATION. Sustainable production systems reduce dependence on petroleum-derived fertilizers and pesticides, thus saving energy at the farm.
- ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP. Creating and sustaining soil fertility is a major objective of sustainable and Organic growers, which is a practice that protects water sources and promotes biodiversity.
- REGIONAL ECONOMIC HEALTH. When you buy locally grown food, you keep your money circulating at home, where it counts the most. This contributes to the health of many sectors of your regional economy and increases qualities of life.
- BUY LOCALLY, THINK GLOBALLY. When you buy local, sustainably-produced foods, you affirm that your consumer decisions can make a difference in your life and the life of your community. This simple act contributes to the health of our communities and our planet as a whole.
