Excellent article: It takes a community to sustain a small farm

It takes a community to sustain a small farm
by Steph Larsen
5 Jan 2010
Link to full article below

These days it seems the most popular person to be in the food system is the “local farmer.” Farmers markets are popping up everywhere, and their size and popularity grow all the time. Local food is trendy—even the First Family is in on it.

But as anyone who has ever raised grain or livestock can tell you, the farmer is not the only person in the chain of players from her farm to your fork. In addition to producers, your food chain includes processors, distributors or transporters, and retailers.

In other words, to have a truly local food system, we also need local butchers, bakers and millers, local truck drivers, local grocers, and a community that supports them in all their efforts.

Please read the full article: http://www.grist.org/article/2010-01-05-it-takes-a-community-to-sustain-a-small-farm

Play Locally

Play Locally
Cut down on carbon emissions and rediscover the joys of your own community, instead of jet setting. By Brian Clark Howard Link to full article below

Cut down on carbon emissions and rediscover the joys of your own community, instead of jet-setting off into the distance at the first sign of a holiday.

More than 38 million Americans planned to travel 50 miles or more on a recent three-day holiday weekend, and 84 percent planned to travel by car, according to AAA's annual survey. More planned to travel this year than last, even though the cost to travelers rose — reaching a household average of nearly $600.

Don't be average. Play local.

Many towns are chock-full of things to do: local flea markets, craft fairs, kid expos and other community events close to home. Local fairs can be a great way to find local artists, crafters and farmers to add to your personal directory of local producers.

Time off is also a great time to get outside.

To read the full article: http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/1819?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr&kw=ist

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