Top Ten Reasons to Support Local Farmers

Jamaica is popularly known as the “land of wood and water”... a land of garden parishes and breadbaskets... right? So naturally, one would think that Jamaicans would not think twice about purchasing their fruits and vegetables cultivated here... right?

Unfortunately, this is not the case; a lot of imported agricultural items are chosen over our locally farmed produce. This is an untenable and unsustainable practice. We have put together a list of reasons why you should begin to support our local farmers.

• Farming is an age-old tradition. Supporting local farmers keeps tradition alive.  
• Supporting local farmers keeps money in your community. When you purchase your food from a local farmer, you are supporting your neighborhood and your nation, not a large, faceless, foreign manufacturer.

• Local food is produced closer to your home which lessens the pollution caused by shipping. Your carbon footprint will be worlds smaller by shopping local.

• Local food, when grown organically, is much more healthy than foreign organic produce. Long distance shipping and refrigeration eradicates nutrients. Local, organic produce is full of nutrition because it doesn’t have far to travel.

• Supporting local farms is good for children! So many children think carrots grow on the supermarket shelf. Take your children to a local farm and they will see how the ‘magic’ happens.

• Supporting local farmers will entice younger folks to become farmers themselves, thus creating jobs. If there is a market for these growers, they will grow!

• Local farmers will respond to your requests far more quickly than a large foreign importer. If you get to know a local farmer, she/he may grow exactly what you want, just for you!

• Local farmers take up valuable space—they plant vegetables on beautiful pieces of land across the country. Support them and perhaps more land will be farmed, and less will be developed into shopping centers or subdivisions.

• Supporting local farmers showcases Jamaica. Local farmers grow Jamaican fruits and vegetables that can be a unique taste experience for both locals and visitors alike,

• Simply put: local food tastes better!