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How can you support sustainable ag in the
marketplace?
If you care about how your food is produced, learn about and
become an active participant in the food system. As a customer, your
food-buying dollars become your clout, and where you choose to spend
those dollars your vote for or against food production methods.
Farmers markets provide an
opportunity for eaters to meet and talk directly with the people
who grow their food. Farmers, too, can learn more about their customers.
To find a farmers market near you, see www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets
Community and school gardens
can provide an important source of fresh produce, particularly for
under-served populations in low-income neighborhoods. They become
a good source of information about growing food as well as places
for community gatherings.
Community supported agriculture (CSA)
farms allow people to buy shares in the farm harvest
before the crops are planted. In exchange, "shareholders"
receive fresh fruits and vegetables (and sometimes products such
as cheese, flowers, eggs and meat), weekly throughout the season.
CSA members accept part of the financial risks associated with farm-ing
and enjoy access to "their" farms for educational events
and volunteer opportunities. To find a CSA farm near you, see www.sare.org/csa
Pick-your-own farms and roadside stands
provide access to fresh produce directly from the farmer who grew
it. Prices for pick-your-own are reduced in exchange for your labor,
and the trip to the farm provides an excellent outing for groups,
particularly children.
Buying organic products supports
farmers who do not use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and adhere
to federal standards. Organic products provide premium prices to
farmers and ranchers for their extra management time and risk. See
www.ams.usda.gov/nop to
learn more about organic labels.
Talk to the source of your food
to learn more about how it is grown. Join and patronize food co-ops,
ask grocery managers to buy from growers and processors who use
sustainable methods, and ask for food origins on restaurant menus.
If you express interest in eating sustainably produced and processed
food, chances are that your suppliers will respond. See www.foodroutes.org
for locations near you and scan for "eco" labels when
shopping.
Seek alternative sources for buying meat,
such as from producers who raise livestock on pasture. Local Extension
offices at your land-grant university can point you to growers in
your state, or go to www.eatwild.com
for a national list of alternative meat producers.
Explore on-line options for
sustainably grown products, which also can make great gifts. National
source lists are maintained at www.communityfood.com
and www.foodroutes.org,
although other sources abound.
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