As the pendulum has swung toward a globalized economy, more people are realizing the huge costs associated with the singular pursuit of maximizing profit, employing cheap labor, and ignoring environmental concerns. A shift is underway to promote sustainable local economies, in part, a necessary response to increased fuel costs, and global warming threats. Creating a local food economy means valuing the production of healthy foods, creating sustainable markets for farmers who produce the food, and livable wages for farm workers who toil in their fields. In part 1, Ken Meter, of Crossroads Resource Center, defines a strong food system, and why it’s so important.

Related:

• Ken Meter: Building A Local Food Economy: 2
• Ken Meter: Building A Local Food Economy: 3
• Kitchen Literacy- 1
• Deep Economy by Bill McKibben