The globalized system from where people get their food is a logistical and technical marvel, delivering unprecedented food quantities at meager prices while relying on fossil fuels, reduced labor costs, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Local food plays an essential role in the sustainability and health of communities, and in recent years, the support of local food systems in the supply chain has only been increasing. 

It’s hard to tell precisely how far away food comes from, given that the term local can have different meanings: it could refer to food that comes from farmers you know or that food is grown in your specific region or state. No matter the definition, one thing is clear: it’s of the utmost importance to know where food comes from and what farming practices farmers use in growing and producing the food. Local farmers focus on elements such as crop rotation, soil health, and cover crops, and they don’t use herbicides and pesticides – instead, they maintain a healthy ecosystem of insects like praying mantis, bees, and ladybugs that ensure their crops will flourish. Compared to large-scale agriculture, local farmers use sustainable practices that benefit the land and the community.

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The importance of supporting local food systems 

Consumers increasingly demand food, and businesses must adapt and respond to this demand by building relationships with local farmers and spurring enhanced availability of local products.  Furthermore, food distributors are also creating strategies to pick up the ingredients and foods sourced locally and efficiently deliver them. There’s no need to mention that it makes a ton of difference when a food supplier sources natural cocoa ingredients, given that cocoa has a bad reputation for the unsustainable practices that it implies. Eco-conscious consumers would always purchase from such business leaders because it showcases their interest in creating a positive change in the world and solving today’s sustainability challenges. 

To support local food system supply chain, it’s necessary to invest in the right infrastructure, such as small packing, distribution models, food hubs, and new retail spaces, to name a few. Local food systems are usually small-scale, so participants in this movement should thoroughly investigate food safety regulations, tax structures, and economic incentives to support their development further. Individuals, food advocates, and consumer groups are already creating change and should continue doing so by demanding enhanced availability of local food and getting educated on the importance of advocating for fresh, healthier, and local food products. 

It’s no secret that nowadays, many corporations control most of the world’s food trade and make money by relying on farming systems that are harmful to the environment. While it can be tempting to source ingredients from where they are most convenient and cheapest, global leaders such as ofi have already seen the benefits of supporting local food systems and implementing sustainability initiatives. 

First and foremost, food purchased locally is fresher because it’s harvested more recently and can stay in good shape without preservatives. The use of fresher ingredients often translates into better quality dishes, which only improves customer experiences. 

Buying local food can also foster a deep connection with the produce of each season, and working with it allows you to showcase food when it’s at its absolute best (and also the most cost-effective), which can give a competitive advantage to a business. It also offers a point of interest for customers and inspires them to create menus that evolve with each season, adding a time-sensitive temptation degree – when consumers know that a dish will only be available for a limited period of time, this has the potential to create excitement around it. 

Furthermore, sourcing ingredients from a local supplier can support the local and national economies alike, nurturing small businesses and improving employment rates. Multiple studies have shown that a significant amount of money spent locally remains local; therefore, such a decision would only guarantee that customers have more money to spend in the future. 

Supporting local food systems can offer a great opportunity in rural communities 

In rural and urban communities, the impact of supporting local food is massive, but the former can particularly take advantage of such a system, as rural regions have historically produced food in farms and foraging, and generally, the infrastructure and knowledge required for the production of the food is more accessible from neighbors, family members and businesses alike. It’s worth noting that the agricultural history in a specific region can play a huge role in supporting agritourism ventures and local food marketing to tourists and residents alike. Furthermore, the enhanced demand in urban locations for locally produced foods offers a tremendous opportunity for farmers in rural areas, as they can increasingly produce food for urban customers in the region. More specifically, it encourages local business owners to develop operations such as producing, processing, distributing, and marketing, which help them capitalize on the enhanced demand for locally produced food. 

Governments, local leadership, and NGOs can all contribute to the development of a robust local food system in rural communities. It is worth noting that healthy and fresh food is challenging to access for people living in areas that are isolated,  as they don’t have enough transportation options and grocery shops, and their incomes are also low. A solution to this would require community leaders to strengthen the local food system by introducing better transportation options and encouraging the development of food avenues close to service sites like schools and centers for seniors and rural hospitals. Supporting the development of ventures by implementing incentives and policies offers an excellent opportunity for farmers to expand their ventures to reach more rural customers. 

The bottom line

Looking forward, it becomes evident that the future of local trade isn’t just a fling and will likely continue to evolve, bringing benefits to restaurants, local producers, and consumers. A local food system is better for the environment, supports the local economy, and helps create community and connection. Ultimately, local food is a worthwhile investment for the future because supporting farmers today means ensuring farms will continue to exist in the community tomorrow – this is an important matter when it comes to food security, particularly in the context of an uncertain energy future and the current dependency on fossil fuels for food producing, packaging, distribution and storage.