The production, distribution, and consumption of food within a local community or region, often involving small-scale farmers, local markets or food co-ops, and emphasizing freshness, seasonality, and sustainability.
Sustainable Agriculture: This term defines farming practices that protect the environment, maintain soil health, conserve resources, and promote ecological balance.
Organic Farming: Organic farming refers to the production of food and other agricultural products using techniques that avoid synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Permaculture: It is a sustainable agricultural design system that seeks to develop self-sufficient ecosystems through ecological principles and organic farming techniques.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): CSA is a model of farming that connects consumers to a local farm by purchasing a share of the farm's harvest in advance, thus supporting local farmers and ensuring reliable access to fresh, seasonal, and locally-grown produce.
Farmers' Markets: These are community gathering places where local farmers sell their produce directly to consumers, thereby reducing the distance between farm and table and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Farm to Table: This movement is about promoting the consumption of locally-sourced foods by shortening the supply chain between farm and table, supporting regional farms, and reducing food miles and environmental impacts.
Seed Saving: Seed saving is the process of preserving local plant varieties by saving and sharing seeds, allowing for the continuation of traditional farming practices and the promotion of crop biodiversity.
Food Preserving Techniques: These are methods of preserving local foods, such as canning, fermenting, and pickling, to ensure that seasonal produce can be enjoyed year-round.
Animal Husbandry: This term refers to the care and management of domestic animals, such as cows, chickens, pigs, and goats, for the production of meat, milk, eggs, and other dairy products.
Agroforestry: This is a land-use management system that involves the integration of trees, crops, and animal husbandry, to provide multiple benefits, such as soil conservation, nutrient cycling, biodiversity conservation, and renewable resource management.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): A system that connects consumers with farmers by purchasing a share in a farm's harvest. The consumer receives a box of fresh produce each week during the growing season.
Farmers Markets: A place where farmers sell their fresh produce directly to consumers. It's also an opportunity for consumers to connect with local farmers and learn about the food they're buying.
Farm-to-Table: A movement that focuses on local food systems and creating a direct connection between farmers and chefs/restaurants. This type of system emphasizes seasonal and locally grown produce.
Urban Agriculture: The practice of growing food in cities and urban areas. This can include community gardens, rooftop gardens, and hydroponic systems. Urban agriculture provides fresh produce to urban areas and promotes sustainability.
Homesteading: The practice of growing, raising, and preserving food at home or on a small-scale farm. Homesteading involves a self-sufficient lifestyle that emphasizes growing and preserving your own food.
Slow Food Movement: An international movement that emphasizes the importance of locally produced food and preserving traditional food cultures. The slow food movement advocates for sustainable agriculture and preserving traditional food ways.
Agricultural Cooperatives: A group of farmers come together to market and sell their products, pooling resources to create economies of scale. These cooperatives provide a means to connect small farmers with distribution channels.
You-Pick Farms: Farms where consumers can pick their own produce, typically fruits like berries or apples. This type of system is a fun family activity and encourages consumers to connect with local growers.