BUYING LOCALBy: Rochelle Protti

History of Food the Last 100 years

Early 1900’s farmers start using the chemical DDT a pesticide that was widely used to kill

weeds on crops before being banned in 1972 for having health and environmental risks.

1980’s The same company that put out the chemical product, DDT, comes out with a product called Round Up.

Continued History of Food

1994: The first genetically modified food product is introduced to the market. A tomato named the FlavrSaver.

1995:After the developmental breakthrough of genetically modified foods, the patent of seeds increased. The company Monsanto now owns nearly

11,000 seeds.

Farmers Then and Now

In the early 1900’s nearly 50% of the American population lived in rural areas. Nearly 30% of the workforce was involved

with farming.

Today, only 17% of the population lives in rural areas Only 2% are involved in farming.

An Economic Issue in the USA

Solution: Buying Local There is a difference in how much money

stays within the community between corporate and local businesses.

The more consumers buy within the community the more consumers create jobs and build local revenue.

A study was conducted by civic economics based on an analysis of what would happen if there was a 10% shift in spending towards local businesses in Grand Rapids Michigan. The results suggest that by shifting 10% in the city they would add 137 million dollars in revenue for local businesses, create 1600 jobs, and add 53 million in wages.

Customers Benefits when Buying Local

When consumers buy locally there is an understanding where food and products come from.

Environment resolution can come when consumers shop locally.

Can Keep each community unique.

Fact: On average it takes about 1500 miles for the food to travel to your plate.

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A way customers can contribute affordably to the movement of buying

local. It makes a difference to just spend SOME of your dollars on Local Businesses and Products.

Local businesses and functions also provide sales and deals that help keep local cost down.