So, what's the difference.....? Part 1

 

Part one: local food

By: Adam O’Connor

In the past few years, I have been asked on many occasions to explain the difference between the products we produce on the farm, and what is readily available in the Supermarket.  The answer to this question is often a very long and complex conversation. However, I would like to attempt to answer some questions, as to what it is that sets our products apart from what you may encounter on your daily trip to a grocery store.

To explain the differences in a product specific light, would be far too long to put into one statement. I will gladly break down the individual products and differences that pertain to them in the near future. For today, I would like to break down the drastic differences between what we do, and what is considered “normal” in today’s modern agriculture.

When you shop at a grocery store, you rarely have an opportunity to meet the person or persons directly responsible for producing what you are about to eat. You can’t possibly know who your money goes to, and the impact on the environment is kept far from sight.  The veil that remains over how food is produced, and who is producing it, creates an environment that only allows deception to flourish. 

With a clean conscious, you have nothing to hide. Not only are we more than happy to show anyone, at any time, what we do and how we do it, we encourage you to take a look.  Any member of the family would be happy to show anyone, anything, anytime. We believe that our production makes for healthier, better tasting products. Our methods restore fertility to the soil and make for a cleaner environment that’s a joy to be in.

In the past 50 years, farmers have seen less and less cash return on products they produce. Only 8 cents of every dollar spent in a supermarket make it back to the farmer, on average. When you purchase from a local farm direct, your money stays in the same community you live in, and supports a farm family directly.

The production models we use, depend highly on one another. All production works together to keep our soils healthy. Healthy soils, lead to healthy plants. Healthy plants lead to healthy animals.  Food produced with the health of the entire system in mind, is the healthiest, cleanest, and (in our opinion) the best tasting food you can get. 

We couldn’t possibly grow everything you will need. In order to produce at such a high quality, we must focus on what we are capable of producing without sacrificing in one aspect or another. In other words, we will not overrun our headlights. But the local food landscape is changing faster than I can type.  Every day, more producers are finding better ways to produce food that supports families that you can meet in person. The possibilities for local, healthy, sustainable food are nearly endless, restrained only by the vote you cast with the dollar you spend.  Buy smart, buy local.

 

 

Coming next: Part Two - O’Connor Family Farms Woodlot Pork