Buying local fruit offers a range of benefits—economic, environmental, nutritional, and even social. Here are some compelling reasons to choose local:
Supporting Local
Your money stays in the community, helping to sustain local farms and jobs strengthening regional food systems and reducing reliance on imports.
Reduces Environmental Impacts
Local produce travels shorter distances, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions from transportation often using less packaging. Also eating what's in season can diversify your diet and connect you to natural growing cycles with a bonus – it is often more affordable and delicious.
Community Building
Farmers' markets and local co-ops foster relationships between consumers and producers. It also helps to learn more about how food is grown, facilitates discussion and can even influence farming practices through direct feedback.
Fresher and More Nutritious
Local fruit is often harvested at peak ripeness and sold quickly, preserving more nutrients and flavour. Shorter travel time means less degradation of vitamins and antioxidants.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Home-Grown campaign is also working to raise awareness of why it’s important to preserve Ontario farmland in order to produce local food, fuel, flowers and fibre. To learn more and to sign up for regular updates on products grown and raised in Ontario visit homegrownofa.ca.
For more information, news, connections, events and tools that you can use on your farm, market garden, homestead or property, subscribe here and get Small Farm Canada delivered straight to your door!