Real People Eat Local

The term “biodiversity” refers to the variety of all living organisms, including their genetic and ecosystem diversity, and the ways in which they interact with one another. Buying local food promotes biodiversity, because farmers who can sell their meat and produce to local buyers can raise a wide variety of goods that haven’t been chosen based on the ability to ship well. Local sales of agricultural goods enable farmers to sell traditional “heirloom” varieties – either of farm animals or plants -- that have adapted to the local landscape, which may not be embraced by the national food distribution system. Maintaining “biodiversity” is critical to human survival, in part because it can help ensure an adequate food supply. While some breeds may be susceptible to disease or drought, for example, others are not.