by B.J. Tolentino

Created on: July 17, 2009   Last Updated: July 23, 2009

Globalization has brought about the increase in free trade among countries. Today, we see so many different produce in our supermarkets. Tropical fruits coming from Asia and South America. Wines and Cheeses coming from Europe and Australia. Chocolates coming from Belgium and the Netherlands. Even water coming from the Swiss Alps. We could just imagine the amount of Carbon emission needed everyday, to get these products to our homes.

The world has indeed changed. There was a time when man sows what he eats. The reality is that the trend will continue to grow. International trade of agricultural products is a vital component of every country's economy. The growing diversity of multicultural communities in all countries, contributes a lot to the rising demand of foreign products.

We have to make a compromise somewhere. In an age where global warming has directly affected our individual lives, we have to make a conscious effort to lower our individual carbon footprint.

We see many agricultural products from local growers in our different communities. In many instances, it is just a couple of minutes away from our homes. We pass by these small farms and local markets, in going about our daily lives. In most cases, we value more our convenience. It is more logical for us to go to a One Stop Shop. We have to realize that buying from our local producers not only lowers our carbon footprint, it also greatly affects our local economies.

According to the USDA, 4.7 million farms have stopped operating since 1935. Being aware of the sources of our food is very important then. If we shift to buying from our local producers, the local farms would benefit from the additional demand. It would keep the pastures and farmlands busy, our surroundings greener and our air cleaner. Otherwise, industrial and commercial development will eventually take its place

It is cheaper to buy locally. Consider the cost of transportation, packaging, cold chain and manpower needed to get these products to our grocery stores. The grocery store then as a business, has to make reasonable profit to keep the business running. You can have all these costs taken away, plus more, when you buy from a neighbor's farm. You can definitely have your dollar's worth from buying locally.

When we buy locally, we can be sure that we're eating fresh and healthy food. Smaller farms don't usually apply the same amount and degree of pesticides as compared to large commercial ones. Some even grow organically. Fresh milk and cheeses with freshly picked fruits and vegetables from the day's bounty is always a welcome sight on our tables. Buying them locally, gives us more reason to be happy and proud that we are part of a growing movement to a greener future

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