Local food: benefits and failings due to modern agriculture

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the issue raised by the consumption of locally produced food in all its various aspects, and in particular, addresses how this practice contributes to local and global sustainability. It analyzes the different definitions of local food, the strategies used, the implications of the distance traveled in the transportation of food to the consumer's table -food miles, the relationships between local food consumption and sustainability, farming practices that reduce carbon emissions, contribution of urban agriculture to local food, local trading of food produced by rural farmers, as well as a number of relationships between the consumption of local food and human nutrition and health, local food protection and the ability to support local food production for humanitarian actions in disaster situations. The promotion of "local food" is a complex problem covering environmental issues, the economy and health.Transportation is not the only factor that determines how efficient it is to consume local food. Often, the technologies used for agricultural production are those most responsible for the degree of sustainability in the production and supply of food to the population. Local production does not always mean lower emissions of greenhouse gases. In general, the consumption of local foods, produced in ways adapted to the local environment using technologies with an ecological basis, is something beneficial and salutary for the environment, economy and society in general.

Perspective: Reductionist Nutrition Research Has Meaning Only within the Framework of Holistic and Ethical Thinking

“…Concerning local aspects of organic and seasonal foods, it is highly likely that reaching 100% is not desirable or fully realistic. In a recent review, Coelho et al (117) concluded the following: "we need more data that can provide information on the environmental, economical and health impacts resulting from the consumption of locally produced food compared to those produced far from the place of consumption […] However, in general, the consumption of local foods, produced in ways adapted to the local environment and the use of technologies with ecological conditions, is certainly one positive factor in promoting improvements to the health of the environment, the economy and society in general. "…”

Local Entrepreneurship in the Context of Food Production: A Review

“…First identified area of research encompasses the idea of sustainable development. Coelho et al [7] addressed the problem pertaining to consumption of food produced locally with special consideration for sustainable development practices on both the local and global level. They pointed out that promoting such food is a complex problem that includes environmental issues, economy, and health.…”

“…Moreover, the term "local food" is defined in various ways. For example, Coelho et al [7] define it as food produced in close proximity to where the consumers live. However, these authors also point out that alternative food or culturally significant food is sometimes treated as local food.…”

Sustainable Perspective in Public Educational Institutions Restaurants: From Foodstuffs Purchase to Meal Offer

“…It is important to highlight that locally produced food does not necessarily guarantee the ecological sustainability of agricultural systems, and it is necessary to encourage the organic cultivation of food from local biodiversity. The consumption of local foods, produced in an adapted way to the local environment and the use of technologies with ecological conditions is certainly a positive factor in promoting improvements to environment conditions, the economy and society in general [49].…”