The farm-to-table movement is gaining popularity as consumers become increasingly aware of the benefits of supporting local agribusinesses. Not only does this practice promote sustainability, but it also offers numerous benefits on an individual and community level.
For example, supporting local wineries allows the growers to invest back into their operations, fitting their equipment with the best grape harvester parts Australia has to offer, and producing better products as a result. Over time, you can taste this community support in the wines you get to enjoy year after year.
In the sections below, we explore seven other wholesome benefits of supporting local agriculture in Australia.
1. You get to enjoy more nutritious produce
When you source your produce locally, you’re typically rewarded with fresher and more nutritious goods. When they don’t have to factor long-distance travel into the equation, farmers can harvest crops at the ideal time rather than having to do so early to account for transit time. This leads to produce that’s healthier, tastier, and packed with more nutrients.
2. Keep the local economy thriving
When you support local agriculture, you’re stimulating the economy in which you live. This means the money you spend is working for you, doing good in your community and creating local jobs. A thriving local economy is an ideal foundation from which to develop your own business or career.
3. Feel connected to your community
In addition to the economic benefits, buying locally also fosters a greater sense of togetherness in the community. You get to connect with the people who grow your food, and they get to know you as a person rather than a number in their sales figures. There’s an unbeatable beauty to heading down to your local farmer’s market and knowing your banana guy has set aside a box just for you.
4. Reduce your carbon footprint
Cutting down on transportation time can have benefits on an individual level, but it’s also great for the planet as a whole. Those who buy locally don’t take part in the resource-heavy process of transporting produce over great distances, meaning they’re responsible for less greenhouse gas emissions. So, if you’re determined to minimise your carbon footprint, shopping locally is one of the most profound steps you can take.
5. Enjoy the fun of seasonal eating
In the modern world, we’ve gotten used to having our favourite fruits and vegetables year-round. While this seems ideal, it actually causes you to miss out on the fun of seasonal eating. It’s exciting to anticipate mango season, apple season, and strawberry season. Though you may miss your favourite foods when they’re not in season, you’ll find that there’s always something new popping up to take its place.
6. Promote biodiversity
Large-scale agribusinesses often rely on monoculture, which leads to a loss of biodiversity that can be harmful to the environment. By supporting local agriculture, you fund small-scale farmers who are more likely to use traditional methods designed to maintain a diverse ecosystem.
7. Do your part to support sustainable agriculture
When shopping locally, it’s best to support small-scale operations that use sustainable practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and natural pest control. By backing these businesses, you’re doing your part to support the environment and promote long-term sustainability.
Supporting local agriculture has numerous benefits for you, your community, and the planet you call home. So, next time you need to stock up your pantry, consider buying from local growers and supporting the farm-to-table movement.
