A small farm is just like any other small business: it provides local jobs, keeps dollars circulating in the local economy, and allows families to be independent. Communities can’t thrive without the existence of a variety of small businesses, farms included. Local farms are also significant because they allow us to avoid the costly long-distance transportation of food. They preserve choices for the consumer, because they can grow unusual varieties of foods, not typically mass-produced. They protect our “food security” by maintaining our ability to produce food for our own population, ensuring arable land does not become depleted, and retaining farming know-how within each community. Local farms also give us a chance to keep in touch with our neighbors, strengthening the fabric of community. They tend to care a great deal about maintaining clean air, soil and water, because they have a vested interest in the community. An added bonus is that small-scale local farms are attractive to look at.
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