The Future of Local Food Production Zach Miles Corey Brannock

Breaking News: Local Corncob Challenges Trump

Buy Local and Save your Health and the Local Economy!!!

Produce production has seen a continually increase in industrialization and importation since the passing of NAFTA. With this trend a strong correlation is shown with threats associated with agroterrorism and economic effects. Is buying a ton of internationally grown produce worth the effects it has to both our local economy and your health? You Decide.

From 1999 to 2014, the US has imported 269,487,600 metric tons of produce from other countries. Not only does this statistic imply a heavy product cost over time, it also implies heavy shipping costs. Outsourcing money to other countries for products that many of which can be grown in the US takes jobs away from workers and over time destroys the economy

Agroterrorism: A rising issue in America where foreign groups infiltrate the United States with dangerous viruses, pests, and diseases through infected produce. This known threat is further increased during the winter months in the United States, “when nearly 80 percent of the fresh fruits and vegetables on our tables come from other countries. With the ever-increasing amount of trade, new pest pathways are discovered, and the agricultural risks to the United States grow. The threat to crops is real.”(US Customs and Border Protection, 2016). Is the government implementing enough regulation towards foreign producers to ensure our produce is at a minimal health risk?

When growing and selling produce locally, you avoid unnecessary costs on both the producer and the consumer by creating a direct sales link between the two. The only costs you face are the costs of production and the cost of the product (excluding tax and regulation costs).
Locally grown produce is believed to be better than internationally grown produce in almost every category, from "Freshness" all the way to "Carbon Footprint".
Local produce may cost a little more, but you eliminate international shipping costs and foreign market fluctuation factors, ultimately allowing for a more stable US economy
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Zach Miles


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