May 30, 2008 Local food as a cost-saving strategy in VT Play video

(Anya Huneke, NECN: Craftsbury, VT) - Going to the grocery store is becoming more and more of a pain in the wallet these days as food prices continue to escalate. You might not think of buying local food as a way to save money, but some in Vermont believe that may in fact be a good cost-saving strategy.

NECN’s Anya Huneke has details.

Script:

Pete Johnson has always had a green thumb, but in recent years, he has put it to especially good use. At his organic farm in Craftsbury, Vermont, he grows a variety of vegetables for a growing number of customers.

Johnson is a strong proponent of local food production and consumption. He hasn’t had a hard time convincing customers that eating local is good for the body, soul and community. But good for the wallet? That has been a tougher sell.

Local food has a reputation for being more expensive than conventional food. But it seems rising fuel and food prices are starting to shift the balance.

The outlook is not particularly good in terms of food prices. According to a UN Report, they may ease in the short term, but will likely remain high over the next decade, which is certainly not good news on a global scale. But locally, there may be a silver lining.

Meg Klepack of NOFA-Vermont has watched interest in local food jump. Sales at farmers markets are up and more residents are participating in CSAS, which allow consumers to purchase - in advance - a share of a farm's harvest.

Johnson believes Vermont is well-suited for sustainability, but he worries it is not yet well-equipped.

Pete: "I’m a little nervous that as a state, we might not be able to keep up with demand."

Still, he is encouraged to see demand for local products on the rise.