Why eat local

We’re lucky to live in the Hawkesbury region. The region is home to some of the finest farms and food producers in the country. With such a proud farming, agricultural and food community right on our doorstep, it just makes sense to eat locally. Here are some of the reasons you might choose to join us in eating locally:

Local food travels fewer kilometres to land on your plate: “Local food” does not have a specific definition, but it’s generally food that has been grown or produced within a 100-kilometre radius. The further food travels, the more energy and fossil fuel that must be used to get the food to your plate. Buying local saves energy costs and valuable non-renewable resources.

Local food tastes better: The crops are picked at their peak freshness, and farm-made products, such as cheeses and jams, are hand-crafted for the best flavour. Food from far away is older, has travelled long distances in trucks or planes, is jostled around in the shipping process, and has sat in warehouses and supermarket shelves before it finally gets to your table. Local Hawkesbury food tastes better because it is fresher and has been grown or created with you in mind.

Local produce is more nutritious: The less time that passes between farm and table, the fewer nutrients fresh produce loses. Locally grown fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients because they are picked at their peak freshness, transported shorter distances and sold directly to you.

Local produce stays fresh longer: Since the produce was picked on the same day (or the day before) it’s sold, it lasts longer in your refrigerator (if you can hold off from devouring it!). Just think of how many times you’ve bought produce from Coles or Woolworths only to find that it’s been frozen for so long before you purchase it that it no longer has any shelf life.

Local produce is safe: Local farmers are not anonymous and they take their responsibility to you seriously. Like you, they’re part of our community and strive to create the best possible produce for the benefit of those they interact with on a daily basis.

Local food preserves genetic diversity: While conventional farming practices mono-cropping with limited plant varieties, smaller local farms often grow many different varieties and rotate their crops to provide a long harvest season with an array of different colours and flavours.

Local produce benefits the environment and wildlife: Well-managed farms conserve fertile soil and clean water in our communities. The farm provides a habitat for wildlife.

Local food connects you to the land through the farmers who grow your food: There is something exciting about engaging in a time-honoured connection between eater and grower. Talking to the very farmer who grew and picked your food gives you an insight into the relationship between the seasons, the land, and your food.
Buy seasonal. Buy local as much as possible. Look forward to seeing you at the market sometime soon!