Citizens' Daily Lobby

I recently received an annual update from Jody Hardin, of Foodshed Farms, Basket-a-Month Community Supported Agriculture (BAM), and the Certified Arkansas Farmers’ Market (CAFM).  With the help of people like Jody and his great support group at Foodshed Farms, fresh local foods are being made available to people all over the state, and consumers are spending money in their own communities to help local farmers.

Foodshed Farms’ Basket a Month CSA alone has put over $500,000 back into the local economy over the 4 years it has been running.  When the local markets in Argenta, Hot Springs, and Searcy are added, total economic impact is estimated to reach $1,000,000 over the same 4-year period.   The local foods movement is growing rapidly.  Jody is in discussions with 3 additional Arkansas communities to start local affiliates of the CAFM.

Jody’s estimates do not include the economic impact of other local food clubs such as that provided by the Arkansas Sustainability Network, an organization that conducts a year-round, on-line only market.   Many local growers produce for both markets, reaching different populations in the area.

Everyone can take advantage of the wonderful, fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other items grown and marketed locally.   This spring will be a good time to plug into the local foods movement and find out how satisfying it can be to participate in the community.

Tomorrow’s post will deal with the obstacles still facing local agriculture.