When produce is purchased locally, the local economy gets a shot in the arm, keeping your money in your neighborhood . Not only that, there is a large variety of foods available from local farmers.

According to the USDA, more than 5 million farms have gone out of business since 1935; and the trend continues. If something is not done to curtail this, our farms will not be able to continue to provide us with local produce, and there will be tremendous difficulty in preserving open spaces, thus creating the opportunity for urban infiltration.

We must consider what transporting food long distances can do to our environment. We are discharging large amounts of fossil fuel and pollutants into the atmosphere. It is fact that this is what is contributing to the major climate changes and greenhouse gasses in our air and soil. In addition, when food is transported, refrigeration is required in order to keep the food fresh which results in the use of energy. Large amounts of paper and plastic are also being used in order to preserve the food for longer periods of time. If this trash is not properly recycled, much of the plastic can end up in the landfills, in effect.

It must also be noted that food that is shipped in from faraway places are typically treated with pesticides, chemicals and hormones. This, of course, can have long term detrimental effects on our bodies and environment. Using local farms, allows us to know how the food is grown, the methods in which the produce is grown and whether it is certified organic. Farms that use sustainable farming methods help protect our air, soil and water. Moreover, it can have a positive impact on our health and bodies.

Choosing to use your local farm is a sustainable way of life which takes some thought on all our parts. It helps to reduce the cost of fuel and fossil fuel emissions, supports the local economy and produces better tasting food. There is ultimately less waste, which helps control rise in meal pricing and helps to create a better harvest in years to come.

Please click here to see a full list of local south jersey farms.