In the past century we have lost over 90% of our worldwide corn, lettuce and tomato varieties. Small farms encourage diversity in planting and promote diverse ecosystems.  Diversity leads to more nutrients in the soil, a more abundant wildlife and healthier harvests.

Currently 90% of all fuel used in food production is spent transporting, packaging, and marketing our food. That's almost 10% of our total national energy consumption! And costs of transportation for our food increased 30% in the past ten years. Buying locally decreases the “food miles” and amount of fuel and pollution needed to deliver your food from farm to table.

According to the USDA, local farms are more productive than factory farms - yet right now in the US, four firms control over 80% of the beef industry, nearly 60% of the pork industry, over 50% of the poultry industry, and 80% of corn exports. Hardly 20 cents of each dollar we spend on food actually goes to the farmer who grew it.

Local farms are a necessary part of our national landscape that is quickly losing its presence. Since 1935 the U.S. has lost over 4.5 million farms. Supporting local farmers supports the local economy, invests in the future of your community, and preserves a way of life.

The vegetables and fruit that you buy at the supermarket have traveled an average of 1,500 miles and have spent up to two weeks in transport. To survive the journey, fruit and vegetables are often picked weeks before they hit maturity and do not have time to develop fully. They have lost most of their nutritious vitamins and minerals.