Autumn Fun and Local Farms

Fall is in the air, and part of the autumn tradition for many of us includes a visit to the local pumpkin patch including a hay ride, some fresh pressed apple cider and, if you are lucky, home-baked pies and cider donuts!

But pumpkin picking isn’t the only reason to head to the local farm. Organics, community agriculture and fresh foods are all trends that continue to pop up all over magazines, news programs, and the internet. And lest you think that it is all made-up hype, be assured that there are real benefits that come from buying local.

First off, local food is generally fresher, has not been damaged in transport, and is likely to be more nutritious. Locally grown produce also offers better value as you are paying for fresh-picked taste and not packaging and transportation.

But the goodness doesn’t stop with the quality and freshness of the food itself – local farms mean local jobs for the people in your community. The economic “multiplier effect” of money being recirculated within your community is higher, so when you spend your money on locally grown food, you are supporting the community as a whole. Buying directly from farmers also ensures that the farm families receive more of the food dollars that you spend, rather than only a small percentage that comes from selling to food processors at bulk rates.

The benefits don’t stop with your health and the economic impact on your community. The environment is also a winner when more people decide to buy local. Local farms contribute to biological diversity, a cleaner environment, and a beautiful rural landscape. Local farms also preserve wildlife habitats and open space, reduce water run-off, and improve air quality. And when the food is consumed near where it is harvested, fuel consumption is lower and the air we breathe stays cleaner!

I could go on and on about the benefits of supporting local, family-owned farms, but I think you get the idea.

But at this time of year, those hayrides and pumpkin patches and apple orchards are the most compelling reason to take a day and pack up family and friends and get out and visit a local farm!

Other fun activities that are offered by local farms can include (depending on the region):

• workshops and talks (cheese making, cider pressing…)
• tours of farm and meeting/feeding the animals
• crafts
• kids inflatables
• fruit, vegetable and even wine tasting

So now that you are ready to get out there and take advantage of everything that your local farms have to offer, how do you find one?

1. My favorite resource is Local Harvest - Great for locating farms, viewing farm event and activities details, and even snagging some good recipes.
2. Try a search engine such as Google or Yahoo and enter your state’s name or your zip code and “local farms” For example: New York State has this directory.
3. Check out your state’s State department of agriculture For example: New York
4. Of course you can always ask around in your community – ask neighbors and friends where they like to go and what activities are offered. A good farm usually has a fan base in the community!
   

So whatever you do, find a way to support your local farmers. Visit the farm market or farm stand. Join your local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) to take advantage of the bounty offered. Have fun attending their events. Take the kids along so they can see where food really comes from and appreciate what is involved in getting it on the table. They may even be more willing to eat their veggies!