Local vs. Organic

Why is local food better than organic?

By definition organic food promises that the vegetables were not genetically engineered or sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Organic animal products were not given growth-promoting hormones or antibotics.

The organic movement was originally intended to not onto protect the quality of food but also to protect farm environments and their communities. The qualities associated with the idea of organic agriculture are sustainably grown, worker-friendly, fuel-efficient, cruelty-free etc, but since large scale industrialists have gotten in to selling organic products, the standards of organic food have declines.

The minimum definition is true, but the values associated with the organic movement are not maintained. Some synthetic additives are now permitted. Free range means the house that holds the chickens has a doorway leaning out to a tiny yard, even though that doorway remains shut for so much fo the chickens lives, and they never go outside.

Along with this half of the farmers on organic farms are undocumented workers making no more than minimum wage.

I’m not saying that organic food is a lie – but as Kingsolver writes in her book, Animal Vegetable Miracle, “A process as complex as sustainable agriculture can’t be fully mandated or controlled; the government may as well try to legislate happy marriage”

Locally grown farmers whose purpose of providing organic food is more of a personal mission than a drive for profit, don’t cut the corners and uphold the values that we associate with organic food.

In other worlds locally grown food is incorruptible. Try going to you local farmers market!

I went to the farmers market today and bought kale, mushrooms, coffee and icecream – all from local vendors and it was a great way to start my Saturday. I’m excited to see what I can make with the ingredients this week!