Policy

In light of all of the benefits to local foods, the main policy that I believe should be invested in is consumer education. Farms are already aided by many programs at the state and national level to encourage production of food. However, consumers need to understand their access to and the importance of local foods. This is a recommendation that I am making to policymakers and business owners who have an interest in promoting local foods.

The Campaign

The power of the media can be invoked to create advertisements for the benefits of local foods. This can include incentives or requirements for retailers to identify and promote local foods in stores. Stores would not have to change from their own stocks for reasons of economic feasibility; however, consumers should be encouraged to purchase local foods which directly aids local business. The message that advertisements and campaigns would be encouraged to make is this:

"Buy local. Together we can build a stronger community and a healthier planet"

A Four-Layered Approach

(original graphic)

This four-layer approach provides a consumer with the basics of local food benefits, starting from the individual, and moving to a global view.

Individual Benefits

The consumer should be made aware of the personal benefits of buying local produce. Link local food products with nutritional benefits, healthy lifestyles, and more flavorful foods. Advertise unique varietals in markets, and make special note of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are only available locally. Local branding can greatly aid in marketing local produce as attractive and unique experiences. An improved sense of regionalism should also be a factor in choosing local foods. "Made with Pride in Washington State" will be a message that will increase the value of local purchases.


Community Benefits


Local foods can improve a sense of neighborhood and community. Maps to local farms where food is produced can provide a strong idea of locale in food products. Encouraging people to visit local farms and see the food being produced and then sold at reasonable prices at the market would also strengthen the consumer's identification with farmers. Businesses interested in local economies and job growth would also be interested in promoting and carrying products from local farms in order to improve their own growth. "Your Purchase Helps Everyone" is a message that will give the consumer a sense of community duty.


Regional Benefits


Buying local foods takes strain off of waste collection and mass transit. Providing consumers with images of pristine landscape with a few regional farms may be contrasted with packaged food waste. An understanding of waste generation should be advertised. In addition, cleaner drinking water is a convincing reason to move away from farms using artificial pesticides and mass transit. Agricultural tourism should be promoted as an inexpensive alternative to more exotic vacations.


Worldwide Benefits


Local foods lead to a healthier world. Lower fuel consumption will slow the rapid rise of carbon emissions. Sustainability is the key to healthier food systems. Consumers should understand that food choices have a daily impact on their carbon footprint. The message in this layer should be the final message that good food choices can make a big difference. The consumer should feel empowered to make the decision to help solve a global problem.


The empowered consumer, with the right knowledge, will be capable of making responsible decisions.


Eat Local. Eat Fresh. Eat Tasty.