Get involved
One of the best ways to support sustainable farming is to buy organic and/or local produce. Although organic foods are often much more expensive than their non-organic counterparts, certain items may be of comparable price, especially when they are in season. However, even when organic products are more expensive, they are still worth considering because as more people are willing to buy organic products, more farmers will be encouraged to make the difficult switch toward sustainable agricultural practices. The transition from conventional to certified organic farming typically takes three years. During this difficult transition period, farmers must settle for a lower yield although they cannot yet command the higher price that comes with selling certified organic produce.
Even better than just buying organic produce is buying local organic produce. Buying local takes the focus off large scale commercial farms and gives the consumer a chance to meet small farmers and see the source of their food. To find organic food near you, Local Harvest provides a database of organic farmers, restaurants, co-ops, and farmers markets across the country.
If you are a producer or processor and would like some tips on how to switch to organic, you can visit: http://www.howtogoorganic.com/.
