ORGANIC VS. LOCAL

The latest debate in the food world is over whether to choose organic or locally grown food. Organic advocates feel you shouldn't tolerate pesticide use under any circumstances, while locavores- people who favor locally grown food- say it's more important to buy from local farms and conserve the fuel spent on transporting food long distances. To help you decide where you stand on the organic vs. local debate, here are some of the Pros and Cons on both Organic and Local. Note: Personally I eat local and organic, I have my own home garden. So what is the definition of Organic food? Answer: Food grown without pesticides, genetically modified ingredients,irradiation, antibiotics, hormones,or fertilizer made from sewage sludge. Pros of Organic food: Farm workers are not exposed to pesticides,pesticides and fertilizers do not pollute soil and waterways. Some studies have shown that organic food is more nutritious and flavorful than conventionally grown food. Cons of Organic food: Organic products can leave a huge carbon footprint. Even if something was grown in China and exported to the United States, it can still be called organic. Many organic food products come from abroad, often third world countries, where it's difficult to ensure that US organic standards are truly met( not that the us standards are truly met). The requirements for an organic label do not include humane treatment of animals, fair labor practices, or ecologically conscious farming practices. So what is the definition of Local food? Answer: Food from local gardens,or the wild. Local can mean 100 miles from your home or less.  For me local means from my own backyard, the local farmers market,or food that comes from  less than 50 miles away. Pros of Locally grown food: Buying Locals helps to support your local small farmers. More small farms means more genetic diversity of plants and animals,which makes the food system less vulnerable to disease. Supporting small  farms keeps money within the local economy, saves jobs,and preserves farmland and open space. Local foods don't contribute to air pollution and global climate change to the same degree as food that travels long distances. Cons of Locally grown food: Locally grown food is not  necessarily pesticide free. Many places are not suited to agriculture during certain times of the year, like the Midwestern states in the winter. Studies show that a diet of mostly plants, no matter where they're from, is better for the environment than a meat-heavy local diet. So, with all that being said, if  you still can't decide for yourself, you can always do what I do...support both. I grow my own food in my own  backyard, organically. Therefore my food is Local and Organic.