Fresh Farm Markets Continue Growing Trend

With citizens of our planet facing health, economy and environmental concerns, the demand for fresh farm foods is starting to rise. Bought on a local level, more and more Americans are buying produce and goods locally from fresh farm markets. Though there are many factors that could and have contributed, the benefits of buying locally are instrumental. Below we outline some of those benefits

1) Helps to support local farmers who are more likely to be stewards of their land.
2) Supports local economies.
3) Promotes and preserves our natural environment
4) Healthier food options without biologically engineered preservatives or pesticides.
5) Food prices that do not fluctuate based on rising gas prices or stock prices.
6) Less pollutants in the air by reducing the need for shipping of goods.

Despite such growing public enthusiasm, however, there are a still a number of challenges to the movement. Federal food and safety regulations cater to an industrial farm system, and are often expensive and unfriendly toward smaller farm operations. Recent food scares have also led to tightening food safety regulations, limiting what can and can't be sold on and off the farm, and how producers have to package their food. And critics question the sustainability of such a system, arguing that small farms simply cannot meet our nation's food demands efficiently.
Nonetheless, the way we eat has an enormous impact on the health of the planet. By choosing to eat lower on the food chain, and focusing on local and organic produce, we can curb global warming and air pollution, avoid toxic pesticides, support local farmers and enjoy fresh, tasty food.