People are often surprised to discover that I often prefer local food to organic. "But I just want clean food!" they cry. The truth is...your organic food isn't all that clean, and local food is better for you. Let me explain.
Nutrition
In our current food system, most of your food travels hundreds, if not thousands of miles before it reaches your plate. From the moment your produce is picked, it's dying. It begins to lose nutrients right away after being plucked from it's connection to the earth. With each passing moment, it loses it's ability to nourish you and protect your body from disease. We live in a toxic world, there is no escaping it. We can make all the best choices and still...our world is poisoned. Sometimes I weep over it..but alas..I am only one person and I can only do what I can do. Eating food that is high in nutritional value is the best defense we can give our bodies against disease. The fresher the better!
Levels
Most backyard gardeners and small farmers that I have met care deeply for the earth. Some will resort to using small amounts of chemicals and/or pesticides when it means the difference between crop survival or crop failure. Most use minimal amounts. If you want to know exactly what methods your local farmers use, just ask them! Organic food may not be what you thunk it is. It is not free of pesticides, fungicides and such. The products used in the production of organic foods are derived from differnt sources than conventional sprays; They are potent poisons, however. I know this from deeply personal experience after an illness requiring a trip to the ER with organic fungicide poisoning.
Organic is not always what you think
There has been a lot of recent discussion in the organic community about the fact that organic Apples and Pear blossoms are sprayed with antibiotics to protect against fire blight. Yes, you read that right. The blooms are sprayed with streptomycin and oxytetracycline. Recent studies have also shown that organic produce sold in a store that also sells conventional produce is highly contaminated with spray residues from handling. That said, are you really getting your money's worth when you purchase organic at the supermarket?
Good for your city, good for the planet
Less demand for long distance food creates a cleaner environment for everyone. Consider just the emissions alone that occur when transporting large quantities of food over thousands of miles. Also, buying local food keep your dollars hard at work in your own community.
It just tastes better
Ever purchase a $5 pint of organic berries to find the flavor disappointing at best? Mass produced produce, no matter how organic, is not fresh food once it makes it's way to your table. Just as with conventional produce, it is picked before it's peak of flavor and shipped to you in it's dying state.
What about GMO's?
Never to worry, as genetically modified seed is not available to home gardeners and small local farms. GMO seed is highly regulated by those who wish to control the worlds food supply. Most fresh produce is not GMO. The only approved GMO fresh produce available is sweet corn, Hawaiian papaya, edamame, zucchini and yellow summer squash.
While different people have different reasons why they choose one over the other, I am convinced that local food is the best choice for my family. Of course I would always prefer local AND organic...sigh...in a perfect world.
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