5 Reasons Why Farm-to-Table is a Trend
The farm-to-table movement is all the rage these days, and for good reason. Buying produce, meat, and dairy from local farms is fresher than what we can find at the grocery store and it supports our community’s agriculture. But there are other reasons why farm-to-table is such a trend, and we’re sharing why that trend is here to stay.
It’s healthier…
The nutrients in produce begin to diminish once they are harvested; meaning shorter time from farm-to-table equals greater nutrient benefits in our food.
Not only that, locally harvested food is less likely to be treated with hormones, harmful chemicals, and genetic engineering. Because organic certification is a long process, your farmer may be using organic practices but can’t advertise as fully organic. Ask if they use pesticides, growth hormones, or GMOs. You may also learn about foods you never considered trying.
…and delicious!
Food from local farms are loaded with more nutrients than food from afar, and are tastier too! Because local food has such a short distance to travel it doesn’t need to be wax coated, meaning you enjoy the full sensory experience of taste and scent in your food.
Furthermore, local produce is grown seasonally in optimum conditions for your area, leading to enhanced flavor.
Reduces our carbon footprint
The average meal travels 1,550 miles before reaching our plates- imagine all the fuel required to transport that food!
When food travels great distances it also requires freezing, wax coatings, or preservatives- compromising nutrition and flavor.
It supports farmers…
Just 7.8 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food is paid to farmers, but when we buy locally at farmers’ markets or the farm itself, these farmers receive a terrific 90 cents on the dollar.
Supporting local farmers keeps them in business, allowing them to boost their own local spending.
…who then support the community
Speaking of spending locally, for every dollar spent locally, 68 cents stays in your community, whereas for every dollar spent at a chain store just 43 cents stays within your community.
So spending money with local farmers allows them to spend more money locally and offer more job opportunities.
All this and more makes farm-to-table a trend we can stand behind.
Meet Rootasters:
Meg is a dreamer, entrepreneur, and homesteader based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She loves her cats, feasting, and road trips in her green VW Bug.