Is Local Food Really More Expensive?
December 14th, 2009 · 2 Comments · Posted in food news, Sustainability
How much do you pay for local produce?
Most people assume they pay a high price for food at the farmers market. Isn’t that why they call us farmers market shoppers elitist? But a study of markets in Iowa by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture actually gives a slight edge to local vegetables, price-wise, compared to conventional produce. Statistically, the differences were actually insignificant, and may have something to do with the price of zucchini and summer squash. The study organizers say this warrants further study. I say, have you tried growing your own?
Don’t know about Ohio, but here in Houston, the farmer’s markets ARE more expensive. No doubt about it. For many years the prices were very competitive — and often lower — than local chain supermarkets. Then a few years ago the well-heeled pilates crowd decided that it was fashionable for their maids to cook with local produce and the prices started going up and up. Prices are now more expensive than Whole Foods.
Good for local farmers, of course. But bad for those of us who have been supporting them for years and live on a limited budget. Hate to say it, but I’ll be glad when the trendy crowd gets bored and moves on to something else so I can start shopping at the market again.
As a Restaurant in the Metro Area
http://www.manorhouserestaurant@poplarsprings.com
we find it very hard to pay the high prices of some of the locally produced foods. Sometimes local products are not produced in a large enough quantity to sustain our needs on a continual bases.
Howard Foer
http://www.poplarspringsinn.com