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Is it better for the environment to buy non-local organic food or locally produced food that isn't necessarily organic?

In a perfect world we would like there to be organic food available for everyone in every locality. Realistically, this isn't the case and the next best environmental choice would be to buy local where possible. Local food suppliers are likely to operate on a small scale and so tend to be more receptive to consumer pressure to switch to organic farming.

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If you are shopping at a farmers' market or farm shop you will have the opportunity to ask the farmers directly about their use of pesticides. Often farmers who sell direct to consumers do farm less intensively even if they are not certified as organic. Buying local supports local farmers and the local economy and reduces transport pollution caused by food miles.

Buy local. It supports local farmers and cuts traffic pollution.


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Last modified
Content: Apr 2005