03/13/08 Eating Locally Grown

Apparently there is a new trend sweeping across America of preferring locally produced food. Large chain supermarkets have even started sourcing locally cultivated food. Could it be due to the consumer embracing the idea of where their food is grown and handled, support for the local grower, or the fear of agricultural terrorism. Yes, to all of the aforementioned. Personally, I prefer to put fresh, locally grown or raised food on my family's table. It makes me feel more in control of our nutritional choices as well as the good feeling I get knowing that a local farmer is benefiting. Also that local is safer. Sadly, in today's world agricultural terrorism is a very real possibility, not just Hollywood fodder. A recent visit to China and India by the US Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration brought notice to the concern regarding safety of food imported into the US from developing countries and the World Spice Congress had several international speakers debating the issue of contamination of imported foods. So benefit yourself, your community and your local farmer, by eating here.