Is buying local produce really apples to apples?

Is buying local produce really apples to apples?

Why does local organic cost more?

If local and organic produce was the same price as what comes in from all over, you probably would choose the local option.  However, since there are so many options, it tends to make us price conscious, and quality can take a backseat.  But is there really much of a difference in buying local and organic?  Where does the food from the grocery store come from anyway?

squash assortment

San Diego Farms vs. the rest of the world

San Diego County has 5,000 farms, more than any other county in the US.  With the favorable climate for so many crops year-round, there really is an abundance of all we need right here, in our own backyard.  Local organic farms put much of their efforts into growing the prime pickings of the current season, and their time is spent more on the quality of the harvest than the business of selling.  When farms are larger, the process of growing crops is much different than what an organic farm would do.  Priorities have to change to meet demand.

Labor

It’s no secret that big business often capitalizes on cheap labor.   Large corporate farms need to worry about profits, and primarily do so in the way of labor.  For instance, the average wage of farmworkers in Mexico is $12 per day.  That alone might have you rethinking a desire to save a buck on your produce.   So, farms providing most of the world’s food, often has some the poorest people.

Gorgeous veggies growing at Sundial Farms. Local food, CSA - San Diego, CA.

Materials

In terms of what farms typically use to grow crop, local organic farms are required to go the route of using the naturally occurring, chemical free approach.  Crops are therefore produced in the way nature intended, with more flavor and nutrients for us to enjoy.  Unfortunately, organic fertilizers and natural pest deterrent/prevention will cost more and is more labor intensive than chemical counterparts.  Hormones, chemicals, and steroids will certainly make crops grow unnaturally faster, and more consistent.  So a big display of shiny round produce usually has a flip side to the story it’s telling you.   Have you ever went picking and came back with a basket of fruit that could showcase a store display?  But they are so amazing anyways, right?!!

person washing vegetables

Economy

When local dollars are spent on products that are not local, your money, our money, subsequently becomes not local.  Supporting local means keeping the place where you live alive.  It really does make a difference when your dollar stays in your county.   Local support helps us survive, giving all of us a chance to do our part in aiding communities and in preventing economic hardships.  It’s a good thing that supporting local is a hot topic.  There’s been evidence that for every $100 spent on local business, as much as $73 stays local (get more info here from the University of Michigan).

Convenience

CSA boxes and farm boxes are the easiest way to enjoy local produce and support small organic farms in San Diego County.  Keeping local money local, promoting our economy, giving the tastiest and healthiest ‘fresh from the farm‘ food, makes all of us reap the benefits of sustainability.  We work with our farms personally and supply produce from various farms in every box, we pick the best of the season for you every week!

fresh fruit and veggie box

So the answer to the first question is…No, they’re not the same.  If you weren’t sure before which to pick…Pick your apples.  Pick our apples.  Choose local.

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