1. Local food tastes better. By buying local, you are receiving the freshest possible produce, picked just hours before delivery to your local store. Produce that travels long distances is days older.
2. Local food is more nutritious. Once harvested, produce quickly loses nutrients. Since local produce is sold right after it’s picked, it retains more nutrients.
3. Local food preserves genetic diversity. Family farms grow a huge number of varieties to extend their growing season, provide eye-catching colours and great flavour. Many varieties are “heirlooms” passed down through the generations because of their excellent flavour.
4. Local food promotes energy conservation. By buying locally, you conserve the energy that’s used for transport.
5. Local food uses less packaging. Buying produce from a farmers market is a no-frills process that involves less packaging.
6. Local food supports local farmers. By buying locally, the middleman disappears and the farmer gets full retail price, in turn helping farmers continue to farm.
7. Local food builds community. By getting to know the farmers who grow your food, you build understanding, trust and a connection to your neighbours & your environment.
8. Local food preserves open space. Do you enjoy visiting the bit of countryside Malta has, where you see lush fields of crops? Well, this should also serve as a reminder that our treasured agricultural landscape survives only when farms are financially viable. By spending your money on locally grown food, you’re increasing the value of the land to the farmer and making development less likely.
9. Local food supports the environment and benefits wildlife. Family farmers tend to be good stewards of the land – they respect and value fertile soil and clean water. And their farms provide the fields, ponds and buildings that are the habitat for many beloved and important species of wildlife. In addition, buying local also reduces the use of fossil fuels and helps to protect the environment from harmful exhaust fumes.
10. Local food is about the future. Supporting local farms today helps keep those farms in your community, ensuring that your children and grandchildren have access to nourishing, flavourful and abundant food. When you choose to buy locally, and make your choices known, you raise the consciousness of your family, friends and neighbours.
So what are you waiting for? Buy local at the Ta’ Qali Farmers’ Market.
Ta'Qali Farmers' Market 