Cheaper Local Food?
A new study by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture is out to disprove the myth that local food is more expensive than its non-local counterpart…in Iowa, at least.
After examining Iowa-grown vegetables, eggs and meat, the study concludes that local food does in fact have very competitive prices compared to non-local super-market varieties. Rich Pirog, Leopold Center associate director and project collaborator sums it up like this:
"We found that during peak season, produce items at farmers’ markets were very competitive and in several cases lower than prices for the same non-local items found at supermarkets."
Critics of local food claim higher prices make it unfeasible for many Americans to purchase it.
However, local food – especially when purchased directly from farmers, through farmers markets, farm stands, CSA’s etc- can be a crucial boost to farmer’s bottom lines. For American Farmland Trust, improving the economic viability of farmers is a key step towards keeping the land in agriculture.
This study demonstrates a real opportunity for Iowa farmers to sell beyond local food enthusiasts – who are willing to pay higher prices – to their neighbors who may be more price conscious.
In the meantime, it appears that in the peak season of Iowa produce, buying local may keep a little change in your pocket- and some in your farmers’ pockets too.
To learn more about the study, visit the
Leopold Center’s Study homepage.
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Shopping in the Portland area provides many opportunities for purchasing local food of all sorts. Easy access to farms for u-pick and to a variety of farmer’s markets, some of which are open all year, makes this a locavore’s dream. During my shopping travels, I’ve discovered that local is typically cheaper – even when I shop at my local New Seasons Market – a great resource, by the way. I’m buying food in season and that clearly has something to do with the price. Local produce lasts longer once I get it home, too. As an advocate for seasonal local shopping, cooking and eating, I am doing my informal cost “research” while developing tasty seasonal recipes for my community conscious, healthy gourmet foodie customers. It just takes committment, mindfulness, planning and creativity to eat what’s there and fresh. And it doesn’t have to be spendy.
Seasonal ~ Local ~ Sustainable
I am agree with these observation .Specially improving the economic viability of farmers is a key step towards keeping the land in agriculture.
Nice to know that local products cost less (or the same) than non-local. It should encourage folks to buy more local merchandize.