Local Farms and Organics
Definition: Organic (adjective): Relating to food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin, [and] without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics or pesticides.
"Originally, all foods were 'organic' -- grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers or hormones,” says Joshua Rosenthal, founder, director and primary teacher of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. "Large-scale farming has denatured food through massive refining and chemical treatment, and it's taking a toll on both the environment and our bodies."
Every day we can work toward better understanding the connections within our food system to farmland, health and the economy. We can actively participate by reading and understanding the food system; buying local or joining a farm share; shopping and volunteering at farmers markets; donating to conservation groups. Savory Creations firmly believe in supporting local farms and the natural organic produce that they grow.
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Local food tastes better. By buying local, you are receiving the freshest possible produce, picked just hours before delivery to your local store. Produce that travels long distances is days older. Sugars turn to starches, plant cells shrink, and produce loses its vitality and flavor.
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Local food is more nutritious. Once harvested, produce quickly loses nutrients. Since local produce is sold right after it’s picked, it retains more nutrients.
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Local food supports local farmers. The American family farmer is a vanishing breed - fewer than 1,000,000 people (less than 1%) of Americans claim farming as a primary occupation. It’s no wonder: it’s hard to make a living when you get less than 10 cents of every retail food dollar. By buying locally, the middleman disappears and the farmer gets full retail price, in turn helping farmers continue to farm.
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Local food builds community. By getting to know the farmers who grow your food, you build understanding, trust and a connection to your neighbors & your environment. The weather, the seasons and the science of growing food offer great lessons in nature and agriculture. Visiting local farms with your friends and your family brings that education and appreciation to the next generation.
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Local food supports the environment and benefits wildlife. Family farmers tend to be good stewards of the land – they respect and value fertile soil and clean water. And their farms provide the fields, meadows, forests, ponds and buildings that are the habitat for many beloved and important species of wildlife. In addition, buying local also reduces the use of fossil fuels and helps to protect the environment from harmful exhaust fumes.
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Local food is about the future. Supporting local farms today helps keep those farms in your community, ensuring that your children and grandchildren have access to nourishing, flavorful and abundant food. When you choose to buy locally, and make your choices known, you raise the consciousness of your family, friends and neighbors.