According to Ecological Economics' latest research, "Food Navigator: The Future of Local Foods," 52 percent of American consumers prefer local foods and organics and are prepared to pay extra for them. Retailers are doing their share to meet consumer demand. Wal-Mart, the nation's largest fresh produce store, has committed to double its local produce inventory by December 2015.
Farmers market and other locally oriented companies will increase if the local food economy is prospering. Additionally, there is a huge increase in demand for regional food. Farmers' markets have tripled in size and tens of thousands of farm-to-school initiatives have started across the United States as more people become aware of the advantages of eating locally grown food. In fact, local meals have consistently ranked as customers' top preference in several national studies.
Buying locally produced food lessens its impact on the environment, preserves its freshness, and aids local food producers in gaining market share. Additionally, buying locally produced food helps the community's economy, farmers, and food producers. As a result, we should all fight to create a food system that is more sustainable. Let's examine how local food policy might help consumers and the local economy in light of these advantages.
Food from your area is not a miracle cure. The expenses associated with procuring and subsequently using these commodities, both economically and environmentally, must still be taken into account. If there was a demand for certain foods, the supply could not keep up. Additionally, there would be a significant influence on regional food producers as well as the environment if these crops were to develop into superfoods. If local food producers had the authority to choose whether or not to extend their economic activities, it is not yet known what type of a global food system that would entail.