10 Sep Yes, Local Organic Produce IS Better For You! Here’s Why.

Organic produce is no better for us than conventional, industrially grown produce, according to a recent study by Stanford University that is making headlines. So we shouldn't bother spending the extra time and effort (not to mention money) to shop at farmer's markets and farm stands, right? Uh…NOT SO FAST!

Fancy scientific studies done by smart people in high places aside — we don't need anyone to tell us that local produce is better for us and for the planet, period. Granted, plastic-wrapped organic produce that comes from far away may not be any better for us than plastic-wrapped industrial produce that comes from far away. But locally grown produce is better, period. And no study is going to convince me otherwise. Here are some reasons: 

– Whether or not it's actually certified organic,* most local food is produced without reliance on biologically disruptive chemicals. Furthermore, local food comes from someone you can meet face to face and talk with, ask questions about their practices, and from there make an informed decision. You can develop a relationship of trust. It's difficult to impossible to do that with industrially produced food, so there will never be the level of transparency that we have with local food.

– Local food is better for the environment. One, the overall carbon footprint of the food is lower. Two, local farming improves our regional physical environment by rebuilding the soil and adding vegetation.

– Local food is better for the economy. Regional economies all over the country (and the world) have been hollowed-out by our petro-centric ways; now local farmers and farmer's markets are playing a key role in rebuilding the fabric of local business and local agriculture. Part and parcel of overall regional revitalization is employment. A lot of young folks (and a few older ones) are seeking jobs and internships on farms, and a lot of small local farms are providing them!

– Social justice: Local food is produced under humane working conditions. (If it isn't, we find out quickly.) Working conditions for people producing and distributing industrial food are often unspeakable. Quite frankly, the social-justice aspect of our industrial food system should disturb our conscience far more than it does.

– Local food is better for community. As just one example: One of the main things people love about farmer's markets is the social interaction.

– The shopping experience of a farmer's market or small, community-focused store like Wheatsville Co-Op or in.gredients is far more pleasant (both physically and emotionally) than the mega-supermarket shopping experience. 

– Even if you're only in it for yourself and your own health, you'd do well to consider the very powerful factor of enlightened self-interest: Doing something that's good for other people and the planet is healthier for you than continuing a harmful practice. We feel good when we deliberately engage in virtuous practices, and make no mistake, that good feeling does affect your physical and mental health. You don't need a study to tell you that — you can test it out for yourself today. Bon Appetit!

This is just a quick list off the top of my head. I'm sure you can add to it! So what's YOUR favorite reason why local organic food is better?

*In case you didn't know, central Texas is blessed with plenty of food that is both local AND organic. And if you can have both, why not go for the gold! The list of certified-organic farms here in Austin includes Green Gate Farms, Tecolote Farm, and Boggy Creek Farm.

(By the way, if you, like so many of us, are a stickler for independent scientific verification, at least one source offers evidence that "Stanford's Monsanto ties cast doubt" on the validity of the aforementioned study findings.)