Local Food vs. Organic Food

There is a small farm four blocks down from my house.  No I don't live out in the country, I live in Arlington, Texas.  Every season this farm has a different crop that the public can pick themselves for a small fee.  They also sells fresh farm eggs as well.  This produce is some of the best and freshest produce I have ever eaten in all my years on this great earth.  The other great thing about this produce is that it isn't trucked in from 400 miles away and transported via fossile fuel.  I am not only getting the best produce possible but I am also supporting my local community and helping cure our dependency on fossile fuels. 

"Nearly a quarter of American shoppers now buy organic products once a week, up from 17% in 2000. But for food purists, "local" is the new "organic," the new ideal that promises healthier bodies and a healthier planet." "If you send it halfway around the world before it is eaten, an organic food still may be 'good' for the consumer, but is it 'good' for the food system?" (Nabhan 2002)

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245,00.html#ixzz1ZUdSSumt

I think the question comes down to the greater good for the greater amount.  Not only does buying local support our local community it also helps depleate the amount of fossil fuel used.  Most local growers choose to not use pesticides or they use a limited amount. 

Farmers, such as Glenn Cook of Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Dick Chase of Arrowhead Farm in Newburyport and Matthew Kozazcki of Tendercrop Farm in Newbury say their locally grown fruits and vegetables are far less likely to contain those kinds of chemicals.

Even organic farmers use pesticides. 

"Organic farms that are being touted for not containing the organophosphates measured in the most recent study use pesticides, too, he said, but they're just not the kinds of pesticides that are thought to be the most dangerous."

Hendricks Lynne. (2002,November),Local farmers limit spraying of pesticides. Time Magazine.

In the end organic is just as tainted by pesticides.  When you buy local you support your economy, improve health and make an impact on global warming.

I challenge you to buy local.