local economy

The FarmPlate Young Farmers Series: Jeremy Gildrien From Gildrien Farm
Jeff Gangemi Aug 29, 2012 Local Economy 0 comments
NAME: Jeremy Gildrien FARM: Gildrien Farm AGE: 34 Can you provide some brief background information about your farm? In your opinion, what makes it special or unique? I believe in quality over quantity, so my farm is small - just a few acres - and I focus on producing the highest-quality food that I can. I also try to push the boundaries of what we can grow here in Vermont without resorting to lots of fossil fuel - for instance, we have a solar-heated bed in the greenhouse where we grow ginger. Fresh baby ginger is a real treat! Why do you believe farming is important, particularly for the younger generation, and why did you decide to become a farmer?  I'm a farmer because I love food...
Local Food Market Near $5 Billion in 2008, Expected to Top $7 Billion This Year
Jeff Gangemi Nov 16, 2011 Local Economy 0 comments
New analysis by the USDA says the local food market is bigger than previously expected — $4.8 billion in 2008. That includes “sales to intermediaries, such as local grocers and restaurants, as well as directly to consumers through farmers markets, roadside stands and the like." The real story, though, is the continued growth expected to achieve. Between 1998 and 2009, the number of farmers’ markets doubled, and growth in total sales of local food is expected to top $7 billion this year, a 46% increase between 2008 and 2011. The bulk of the new sales came from supermarkets and restaurants, and the USDA analysis didn’t include sales to schools and other institutions. Take a look at this...
Despite Growing Market, Young Farmers Lack Start-Up Capital & Affordable Health Care
Jeff Gangemi Nov 14, 2011 Local Economy 0 comments
In a recent blog post, Mother Jones’ Tom Philpott sends a mixed message to aspiring young farmers. On the one hand, it’s a good time to be a small, local food producer selling direct to consumers; that market is growing. On the other hand, good luck raising money to start a farm. And even if you do scrounge up the funding, even better luck finding affordable health insurance.   According to the USDA, direct sales from local farms to consumers are at their highest level since the early 1980’s. And the benefits to the local economy of buying direct from farms are clear as ever, according to Philpott. But despite a strong market, the recent increase in young, hip folks heading back to the...
Celebrating our Nation's Farmers' Markets
Remy Franklin Aug 12, 2011 Local Economy 0 comments
National Farmers' Market Week wrapped up last Friday, but there's still a buzz in the air. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack proclaimed the week a celebration of the "benefits of farmers' markets and the bountiful production of our Nation's farmers." Indeed, there was much to get excited about. According to the USDA, "farmers' markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support the sustainability of family farms; revitalize communities; offer consumers affordable, convenient, and healthful products and potentially reduce childhood obesity." The good news? The number of farmers' markets in the United States grew 17% last year. There are now 7,175 farmers'...
A Food Resolution
FarmPlate Dec 30, 2009 Local Economy 0 comments
There are lots of ways to improve your health, realign family values and better support your local economy--but making a commitment to purchase more regional, in-season foods is one way to knock off all three objectives in one simple, sustainable New Year's resolution. Here's what we at FarmPlate have come up with for our own resolutions for 2010. Emily: My resolution is to incorporate seasonal produce into my weeknight meals—even if it means I have no idea how to cook what I'm buying. I walk through Union Square Greenmarket each day, so I have no excuse not to pick up fresh, local foods for dinner each night. Eric: To buy more food direct from farmers and producers. Heather: I will learn...