What motivates us in our own communities to ACT?
Many times we are motivated to act or become involved as a result of something. We need to lose ten pounds as a result of eating 75 pounds of ice cream. We plan a vacation close to home as a result of soaring gas prices. We volunteer our expertise and services as a result of a natural disaster.
Often times when we are able to act as a group and not just as individuals, we make more of an impact and the intended results of our actions have much more of a presence, making much more of a difference.
Because of the huge impact that producing food and buying food locally can have on a community’s health and financial well-being, it seems like the intended results of the food-to-table movement would be a no brainer. But, it’s just not that easy. When residents of this community are asked what the primary barriers are to buying and consuming locally produced food, two answers prevail pricing and convenience. These barriers feed off one another (no pun intended). It’s a simple case of supply and demand. ECON101.
Supply and demand is an economic model of price determination in a market. It concludes that in a competitive market, the unit price for a particular good will vary until it settles at a point where the quantity demanded by consumers (at current price) will equal the quantity supplied by producers (at current price), resulting in an economic equilibrium of price and quantity.
As we begin “acting” on the farm-to-table movement by increasing our awareness and opportunities, the farmers will have increased return on their investment. Farmers’ Markets will increase, as will selection and value. In turn, this will increase our demand and lower their price. Our investment is unique in that we are not only supporting a “movement” but a way of life that has tangible, healthy, non-partisan results! Isn’t that refreshing in an election year!
Over the past five years, Louisville has really amped up the visibility and availability of its food-to-table opportunities. Education on these matters takes time. This isn’t just a fad or phase. And, participation will not be robust overnight. But, our community is committed to this movement and the results are measurable.
Kentucky is farm-rich. We are farmers. We are Kentucky Proud. Many consumers in this area are less than two generations removed from serious farming scenarios when their relatives and their families lived off the land.
Supporting farm-to-table is an homage to relatives long gone for their hard work and love of the land and also a huge investment in the health and well-being of a prosperous future. Be involved in buying food locally.
