Before we just go to the local Coles/Woolworth for our fruit and vegetables there are a few things we need to take into consideration about where our produce comes from. Why it matters and how making a simple decision about visiting your local farmers markets vs super market makes a big difference.
More than 70% of Australian income is from exports because of our reputation for clean and green produce. We have some the world highest standards for produce quality and much of it is highly sort after. Whilst other countries have to import our produce, we are lucky enough to go to the local farmers markets and enjoy the high quality produce readily available to us.
When we buy overseas produce rarely do we get to see who it profits, but when we buy local we can account to who it benefits. According to the Australian Treasury, small businesses provide 46% of the total employment in the private sector industry, more than medium sized businesses and corporations. Fair Work Australia defines small business as those that employ 15 people or less while the Australian Bureau of Statistics defines it as businesses with less than 20 persons.
Buying local not only helps your local community by supporting jobs and business but did you know there are health benefits of supporting local? For example certain produce such as broccoli, green beans, kale , red peppers , tomatoes, apricots and peaches are susceptible to nutrient loss when harvested and transported from longer distances.
Not only does locally produce food help build our economy when support directly from the farmer but we also get access to far superior produce. It sounds like it's time to open the Sunday news paper to find out where your nearest market will be this weekend.
Comentarios