Who's feeding you? - Herald Tribune reports on the benefits of local and organic food.

By Linda Brandt
Herald Tribune
March 19th 2008

Most people know their doctor, dentist and pharmacist by name, but few can say the same about the people who grow their food.

Buying locally produced food provides that opportunity and a lot more, according to John Matthews, local food system coordinator for the UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension.

In interviews with farmers and local food advocates, two things stand out: the shared goal of putting healthy food on local tables and interest in reducing our collective carbon footprint. There is, in one farmer's words, a quiet revolution, as the demand for good fresh food grows, and farmers work together to meet it.

Local and organic

When you consider the carbon footprint, local and organic concepts might seem at odds given that organic foods frequently travel great distances to market. However, a growing number of farms in Southwest Florida are certified organic or use organic methods. And as Matthews points out, small local farmers likely use a minimum of chemicals, not only for the good of the consumer and the environment, but also to keep expenses down and prices competitive.

No product, regardless of how it was shipped, is going to be as fresh as what a local farmer harvested last night or this morning. That is not to disparage supermarket produce. It arrives fresher than ever before, thanks to modern shipping methods. And it may even be from Florida. Look for the "Fresh From Florida" label, part of a marketing program to promote the state's products, including seafood.

Farmers may supplement their own offerings with produce from other farms. If knowing where it comes from is important to you, you can always ask.

Another way of reducing the carbon footprint is to grow some or all of your own food. Peter Burkard, who feeds his family from a 1.5-acre garden farm and has enough produce to share with friends and sell at the Downtown Farmers Market in Sarasota, says he would not mind selling less if it meant people were growing their own produce. And if you are so inclined, the extension services and local farmers are willing to advise.