The Importance of supporting local farmers and producers in Hawaii

Supporting local farmers and producers in Hawaii is important for many reasons. It helps to build a sustainable local economy, preserve precious resources, protect the environment, and promote healthy eating habits. When you buy locally grown produce, you are supporting small family farms that are often run by people who have been farming for generations. This helps to keep the land in agricultural use and preserves Hawaii’s rural character.

Buying locally grown produce is also better for your health. Locally grown produce is fresher and more nutritious than produce that has been shipped from far away. When you buy locally grown produce, you can be sure that it was picked at the peak of ripeness and is full of flavor. You can also learn how your food was grown and get to know the people who grew it.

• Preserving precious resources: Buying locally grown produce helps to preserve precious resources such as water and energy. When you buy produce that has been shipped from far away, it has to be transported by truck or plane, which uses a lot of fuel. This contributes to air pollution and climate change. When you buy locally grown produce, it doesn’t have to travel as far, which reduces its carbon footprint.
• Protecting the environment: Buying locally grown produce helps to protect the environment by reducing the amount of pesticides and herbicides that are used on crops. When you buy produce that has been shipped from far away, it has often been treated with chemicals to help it survive the journey. This can be harmful to the environment and to your health.
• Promoting healthy eating habits: Buying locally grown produce promotes healthy eating habits by making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible. When you buy produce that has been shipped from far away, it is often picked before it is ripe so that it can survive the journey. This means that it may not be as flavorful or nutritious as locally grown produce.
• Supporting small family farms: Buying locally grown produce supports small family farms that are often run by people who have been farming for generations. This helps to keep the land in agricultural use and preserves Hawaii’s rural character.