Organic foods are now a $13 billion dollars per year industry and continuing to grow. The organic market segment is the fastest growing segment of the world economy. At this time it is important to remember how organics started and to support that philosophy; locally, organically and sustainably grown. This empowers the local community and most importantly the money stays in the local economy providing jobs and tax revenues. It improves the quality of the local environment, the freshness of the product, and lowers distribution costs. There is an additional benefit of knowing the person/people who are providing your food. This 'knowing your grower' will allow support of those who are practicing organic and sustainable principles who have decided not to participate in the certification program. (With the constant challenges nationally to change the certification requirements -such as the add on to the Omnibus bill to allow non-organic feed for organic beef to accomodate a Georgia constituent which was repealed due to public outrage- it is best to know your grower.)
There are a variety of options; to purchase products from local growers, the farmers market, the local organic cooperative, local markets, and some growers even have local delivery service. The texas organic farmers and gardeners website has more information on growers at www.texasorganicgrowers.org. The organic vegetable coop for DFW is through the Dallas Fort Worth Vegetarian Society. The Dallas Farmers Market has an organic grower. One local rancher that has home delivery in DFW is Burgundy Beef. Ask questions, find out their philosophies and support those who are working to continue the organic and sustainable philisophy.
Looks good Susan!
Posted by: angie at February 8, 2004 09:02 PM