It tastes better. Food that is grown closer to home has spent less time in transit and in warehouses so that it is fresher and tastes better.

It is better for you. The farther that food has to travel, the more nutrients it loses. Locally grown food has more nutritional value.

It creates accountability. Farmers take responsibility for food that they sell directly to consumers. Consumers take comfort in knowing the source of their food. 

It supports the local economy. Buying from local farmers is a way to sustain rural economies and make sure that small farming communities survive. It protects the environment. Well-managed farms must have fertile soil and clean water. They maintain ecosystems that plants, animals and humans inhabit.

It preserves the working landscape. The sustainability of farming prevents development from consuming all of our open spaces. Supporting local farmers is the best way to address the encroachment of excessive development.

It's part of our culture. Our culture is rich with music, art and literature that have drawn from the values instilled through farming. Losing our farmers would compromise an essential part of our cultural heritage.

It is an investment in the future. This year, our agricultural imports exceeded the value of our exports. A safe food system supports local farmers so that we can feed ourselves, as a nation, for generations to come.