Locally Grown Foods, Research Paper Example

Interpretation

Many benefits result from growing and eating local foods, such as providing access to freshness, giving locals a means of making their living, and creating a community among the people.

Analysis

There is a shorter time between harvesting and eating period of locally produced foods compared to imported foods, and as a result, the nutrient value is less likely to have decreased. Especially in the case of homegrown, these foods do not last more than 24 hours before being eaten from the time they are harvested (Aprile et al., 2016, 35; Donaher & Lynes, 2017, 750). They are also full of flavors since they are mostly harvested when they are at the peak of ripeness compared to foods harvested early to be shipped or distributed to the local store. Foods imported from other countries are often older since they have traveled and sat in distribution stores before reaching consumers.

The farmed produce also supports the local economy of the community. The money used within the local farms most likely stays within the community and can be reinvested within the business and service sector of society (Piras, 2019, 1; Gumirakiza, & Hopper, 2016, 1). This also promotes safety in the supply of food since the fewer distributors between consumers, producers, and growers, the fewer chances there is for contamination and food poisoning. Food produced from distant regions has the probability of being compromised at harvesting, distribution, and shipping, as well as processing.

Growing one’s food also reduces the chances of pollution. Most people that grow their foods have been shown on how to use organic fertilizers, thereby eliminating the contamination and extra costs that come with the use of chemicals. Local food farming also benefits the environment by maintaining farmlands with green vegetation throughout (Björk & Kauppinen-Räisänen, 2016, 179). Another aspect is the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the miles that food has to travel from the producer to consumers. Locally grown foods are safe for consumption compared to imported foods, which have chemicals used to fasten their ripening and also increase the durability period. It is something locally grown foods lack, thus their consumption safety.

Lastly, locally grown foods preserve green space within a community. It means compensating the local farmers well for their products to ensure that they do not sell their land to other inventors. Moreover, young farmers are more likely to enter the market and trade due to the growing consumer demand by developing spaces that are not utilized, such as unused lots into urban gardens (Coelho et al., 2018, 85). Producers can tell the story of how their foods are grown, and this can be an essential factor for the people who want to be aware of where foods come from and how they are grown.

Evaluation

This article examines the practice of growing foods by those that have plots of land for cultivation. It does not consider the perspective of those living in cities.

Inference

Though growing food locally is more beneficial to individuals and communities compared to the shipped and imported foods, planting all food types is impossible, and some of the products are seasonal and region-specific.

Explanation

Many benefits result from growing and eating local foods, including access to fresh foods, giving small farmers a means of living, and creating a community among the people.

Bibliography

Aprile, M. C., Caputo, V., & Nayga Jr, R. M. (2016). Consumers’ preferences and attitudes toward local food products. Journal of food products marketing, 22(1), 19-42.

Björk, P., & Kauppinen-Räisänen, H. (2016). Local food: a source for destination attraction. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 28(1), 177-194.

Coelho, F. C., Coelho, E. M., & Egerer, M. (2018). Local food: benefits and failings due to modern agriculture. Scientia Agricola, 75(1), 84-94.

Donaher, E., & Lynes, J. (2017). Is local produce more expensive? Challenging perceptions of price in local food systems. Local Environment, 22(6), 746-763.

Gumirakiza, J. D., & Hopper, L. (2016). Understanding Markets and Marketing Strategies, and Challenges in Locally Grown Fresh Produce Industry (No. 1376-2016-109728), 1.

Piras, S. (2019). Homegrown food and the benefits of sharing: The “intergenerational pact” in postsocialist Moldova. Journal of Agrarian Change [PDF file], 1.