Good for the environment
The average food product from the grocery store has traveled 1300 miles to get to your dinner plate. Farms produce food and fiber, protect open space and provide wildlife habitat, all contributing to our quality of life.
Food Security
Supporting local farms helps secure our future. A reliable local supply of food is important for times of scarcity, threats of terrorism, and global food contamination issues. A balance of small, mid and large sized farms are all important in the equation. All farms of various sizes occupy important niches in the fabric of today’s agricultural landscape.
Good for the local economy
Farms help keep taxes low as they require fewer community services as “cows and corn don't go to school”. Each dollar earned on the farm multiplies 4 times in the local economy– support services for farms are mainly locally owned businesses.
Top Ways to Buy Local
Shop at local farmstands and area farmers’ markets. There are over 15 Farmers’ Market locations in Washington and Saratoga Counties.
Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm.
Find out what milk and eggs are produced close to home at your convenience store and grocery.
Ask your grocery store manager and local restaurant to carry more food from area farms. Try to eat seasonally by learning what is in season for fresh or stored fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
Pick your own! Find out where to pick fruits and veggies, at their peak of ripeness and highest nutritional value.
Last updated September 18, 2014