Locally grown foods in South Africa are growing in demand. As consumers increase their depth of knowledge towards sustainable and ethical growing practices, locally grown foods appear to tick many of the boxes. We came up with 10 reasons why locally grown produce is a practice that all consumers should move towards.

1. Locally grown food tastes better.

Food grown in your own South African’s community is usually picked within the past day or two. It’s crisp, sweet, and loaded with flavor. Produce flown or trucked in is much older. Several studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is over 2000 kilometers!

2. Local produce is better for you.

Fresh produce loses nutrients quickly. Locally grown South African food, purchased soon after harvest, retains its nutrients.

3. Local food preserves genetic diversity.

In the modern industrial agricultural system, varieties are chosen for their ability to ripen simultaneously and withstand harvesting equipment. Only a handful of varieties of fruits and vegetables meet those rigorous demands. There is little genetic diversity in the plants grown. Local farms, in contrast, grow a huge number of varieties to provide a long season of harvest, an array of eye-catching colors, and the best flavors.

4. Local food is GMO-free.

Biotechnology companies have been trying to commercialize genetically modified produce. They are currently, however, licensing them only to large factory-style farms. Local farmers don’t have access to genetically modified seed, and most of them wouldn’t use it even if they could.

5. Local food supports local communities.

Unemployment is expected to max out at over 50 percent in South Africa. We need to support local growers and producers rather than big corporates. Buying locally produced food directly from a producer ensures wealth remains in local communities. And is not lost to big industry.

6. Local food builds a stronger community.

When you buy direct from the farmer, you are re-establishing an honored connection between the eater and the grower.

7. Locally grown food preserves open space.

As the value of direct-marketed fruits and vegetables increases, selling farmland for development becomes less likely. The rural landscape will survive only as long as people can produce and grow foods in a financially sustainable manner.

8. Local food helps to keep your taxes in check.

Growers contribute more in taxes than they require in services, whereas suburban development costs more than it generates. Having local growers and produces contributes a net growth to municipal rates.

9. Locally grown food supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife.

A well-managed artisanal farm is a place where the resources of fertile soil and clean water are valued. Good stewards of the land grow cover crops to prevent erosion and replace nutrients used by their crops. Cover crops also capture carbon emissions and help combat global warming.

10. Local food is about the future.

By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow. So that future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful, and abundant food.

To conclude

Sourcing and purchasing locally grown food is the way to go for all consumers who are concerned about the economy, environment, their community and what they are putting into their bodies. A Growzit, we believe that a platform that easily connect growers with consumers will enable everyone to enjoy the benefits of locally grown foods.