How Can We Support Our Local Farmers?Here are some things you can do to show your support.
1. Get past the idea that price is the most important factor in choosing food. Fresh, local food may cost more, and sometimes it may look less than perfect. But consider what you’re buying in terms of your health, your family’s health, and your community’s wellbeing.
2. Whenever you can, shorten the food chain. Buy direct at farmers markets, through a community supported agriculture (CSA) project or thru this website.
3. If you want fresh, regional food—ask for it! Consumers can have a surprising amount of influence. Owners and chefs sit up and take notice when you ask where and how the food they serve was produced.4. Use your purchasing power. Buy and serve local food at home and at work. If you or your organization is hosting an event, plan to feature fresh local food on your menu. Even hotels and conference centers are responding to consumer demand for regional food. 5. Support restaurants and organizations that are supporting regional farmers. 6. Recognize the connection between biodiversity and farming in the Hudson Valley. Biodiversity is important because we depend on other species and the ecosystems they create. Biodiversity gives us: a. Ecosystem services like fresh air, clean water and productive soils b. Food, medicines, and natural products c. Economic benefits d. Natural beauty e. A community of life 7. Volunteer to raise awareness about agricultural issues in your community. 8. Vote with your fork! Use your food dollars to support regional farmers.
During the last decade, the Hudson Valley has received national recognition for its scenic, cultural and natural resources. At the same time, The National Trust for Historic Preservation designated the Valley as one of the “Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places”, and American Farmland Trust ranked it among the country’s ten most threatened agricultural regions. There are many complex reasons, including concentration within the food industry and globalization, which have put small and midsize farmers at a competitive disadvantage. Soaring land prices and property taxes, coupled with low prices for agricultural products, make selling to a developer increasingly attractive. But every farm lost to development diminishes the strength and diversity of agriculture in the Hudson Valley. Ironically, this loss of farms is occurring at the same time that increasing numbers of Americans are recognizing the value of locally produced food. It tastes better and the consumer can have the satisfaction (and peace of mind) of knowing the farmer and how it was produced. For many years now, residents of the Hudson Valley have been concerned about the region’s loss of farmland. Individuals, municipalities and land trusts are working to save the farms through a variety of regulatory and financial incentives. Several non-profit organizations have also focused their resources on areas where a “critical mass” of farmland still exists, working to protect not just the land—but the business of farming. The benefits of maintaining farming as a viable part of the community are numerous: it supports the local economy; preserves the scenic landscape and rural quality of life; protects natural resources like water, air and wildlife; and provides a source of delicious, healthy food. Ultimately, preservation of these benefits depends on US—you, and me, and our neighbors. We must develop a widespread and passionate belief that agriculture is an essential part of this region’s future. Doing so will galvanize other residents and local policy makers to support farming through their actions—not just their words—and give farmers the confidence they need to carry on.
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