6 Reasons to Eat Local Food Eating local helps build a sustainable society. The underlying problems of today’s farming and food systems are reflections of deeper problems within the whole of societies globally. The number one reason for eating local is to help build sustainable, new societies. Eat locally and pass on the stewardship ethic.

Eating local means more for the local economy. According to a study by the New Economics Foundation in London, a dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. When businesses are not owned locally, money leaves the community at every transaction. Furthermore, regional food production systems keep the food supply in the hands of many, providing interesting job and self- employment opportunities, and enabling people to influence how their food is grown. Eating local foods is a huge step towards regional food self reliance. Eating local enables safe and secure food; thus, the community can experience food independence

A locally grown product is fresher. While the one that is purchased in the supermarket has been in transit or cold-stored for days or weeks, the item that you purchase at your local farmer’s market has often been picked within 24 hours of your purchase. This freshness not only affects the taste of your food, but the nutritional value which declines with time. It also encourages eating seasonally, in harmony with the natural energy of a particular place. By eating with the seasons, we are eating foods when they are at their peak taste, are the most abundant, and the least expensive.

Environmental protection. Local vertical farming uses practices that protect soil, air, water resources and that promote biodiversity. Eating local is also better for air quality and pollution and saves on transportation. What is more, it can make a significant contribution to sustainability by reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy and protecting the natural environment. Eating local protects us from bio-terrorism.

Buying and eating locally grown food allows people to reconnect. The industrial food system was built upon a foundation of impersonal economic relationships among farmers, food processors, food distributors, and consumers. As a result, many people today have no meaningful understanding of where their food comes, no understanding of the ecological and social consequences of its production. Local Foods Preserve Green Space & Farmland. Supporting local providers supports responsible land development. When you buy local, you give those with local open space - farms and pastures - an economic reason to stay open. We are still as dependent upon the land for our very survival today and future generations will

Although consumer diets are being upgraded globally, food purchase patterns vary across countries based on income levels. Developing countries are registering rapid increases in retail sales of high-value foods, while developed countries are seeing a rise in sales of products that meet consumer demands for variety, food safety, and quality.

Food companies have several options for selling in the developing-country markets. Exporting high-value food products remains an option, but most food company sales are generated by investing abroad and processing food in foreign markets. The choice of mode of sale depends on the type of products sold, and is generally based on product characteristics that determine a product’s suitability for trade.

Often, suppliers must rely on numerous members of the food supply chain, such as farmers, for raw products and key services required for production, and they must work through downstream market intermediaries, such as processors and distributors, as their products move to consumers.

The modern retail format increased over time. All the forecasts show that the modern format will continue to expand. Due to these facts all companies involved in modern retail announced large investments in expanding the network and new companies are considering entering the Romanian market. Most of these retailers sell domestic products. Market trends

There is a clear tendency for modern retail formats to expand the area of services offered to consumers (fresh bread and pastries, cleaning services, entertainment places for children, photo-service, food-court, etc).

The current level of Romania’s involvement in the global food system isn’t very high, but we are trying to evolve in this way. Back to basics

Romanian agriculture and food industry have a remarkable potential. The agricultural surface represents: 62% of the national territory 10% of the agricultural surface of the EU countries. Food industry represents 27% from total value of agricultural production. Food industry ensure jobs, representing about 5% from active population. The arable surface represents: 63% of Romania’s agricultural surface 12% of the arable surface of the EU countries.

On the other side, the local food system is very well-built; it is based on a direct relationship between the producer and the consumer There are local markets where farmers can sell their products, which are known for their freshness and lack of harmful chemicals

● Social: Romania doesn’t produce citrus fruits; being involved in the global food system brings the advantage of being able to import citrus fruits for countries that produce them, such as Spain or Portugal. ● Economic: farmers make a fair profit by selling their product, without the chain “manufacturer-shipper- retailer” and money stays local (local food helps the money flow in a country) ● Environment: the local food system in Romania encourages polyculture and sustainable farming. With a higher demand for a variety of agricultural products, farmers are more likely to diversify their production, thereby making it easier to farm in a sustainable way

In conclusion, whether we want to believe it or not, the globalization of the food system is unavoidable. Still, the local community will always remain a primary component of people’s development and existence. However, a person cannot permanently live within the same boundaries. Therefore, nothing that is from the outside will ever harm you as long as you are able to maintain a balance. It will always be your option, so remember to choose wisely! Presentation made by Daria Co.