Lettuce Skirt as High Fashion
First we had the standardization of organic foods almost 10 years back. Then local food became all the rage in the past few years. Now it’s ultra-local food that everyone just has to have. I can hear it now…
Elizabeth (local food consumer): “Emily, you should taste these wonderful local, organic carrots I just picked up. They’re so crunchy and delicious…and soooo fresh!”
Emma (ultra-local food consumer): “Oh Liz, these are quite nice. Where are they from?”
Elizabeth: “I only buy my produce at New Seasons…so that I know that it’s local.”
Emma: “Hmmm. You know most of that stuff at New Seasons is trucked in from all over the Northwest and beyond. 800 miles isn’t all that local. Sounds kind of like ‘green washing‘ to me. Especially now that there are so many ultra-local, seasonal, organically grown food options.”
Elizabeth: “Oh, well, I buy lots of stuff from the farmers market as well. So, I really am buying ultra-local.”
Emma: “Heh. Well, not really Liz. Do you ever notice how far away those farms are from Portland? Many of them drive from 30, 50 or even over 100 miles away to be at the Portland farmers markets.”
Elizabeth: “Geez Emma. You’re making it hard for me to enjoy my locavore status.”
Emma: “Well, all I’m saying is that it doesn’t make any sense to buy vegetables from 100 miles away when you can buy the same seasonal produce that is grown right here in Portland. There is a new breed of farmer popping up all over the city. You should contact POP Farming to find out how you can buy your vegetables ultra-locally.“
Elizabeth: “Thanks, Emma.”
Emma: “No problem, Liz. 100 mile vegetables are sooo 2008. I couldn’t let my friend be eating last years vegetables. Ultra-local is the new black.”
Americans are becoming more savvy about the sources of their food. We are understanding the concept of supporting a local economy and how sending our hard earned dollars hundreds or thousands of miles away just doesn’t make any sense. Support your neighborhood farmer. Eat Ultra-Local!
