Food Localisation

First, what is localisation?

Localisation is the act of shifting from reliance on global corporations and industries, and towards local and regional economies.

This includes trades, services and products but most importantly (well for this blog) food!

In terms of health for people and planet this is a huge underlying factor which gets little press.

Many people are often concerned solely with the particular food types they are eating, but with very little understanding or regard for where that food is coming from.The often monstrous miles that those foods take to be placed on the shelves in front of them, and therefore the added environmental impact this is having.

But this is only the beginning. 

Globalization of industries is not only adding huge unaccounted for carbon emissions into the atmosphere, it is also playing a huge part in the degradation of social structures in local communities. 

When local producers, farmers, businesses and workers become obsolete in place of global corporations and manufacturers, it cuts local employment, and therefore decreases local income growth. This inturn leads to higher cases of poverty,

How this manages to come about is through huge subsidies and tax breaks which are given to big businesses, most notably energy, agriculture and transportation, by the government. Allowing them (big business) to sell products and produce at a lower price, making unfair competition for local farmers and retailers.

In the transportation sector which accounts for maritime (marine/ocean vessels) and air transportation, trade is encouraged between countries, as part of international trade treaties and political alliances. However as I mentioned earlier these carbon emissions are not claimed by anyone, with many of these treaties stating that climate laws must not harm trade, adding huge strain on our already fragile climate.

 And sure while some trade is good as it gives us access to product diversity and desired international foods, the current scale of international trade is INSANE! 

For example many countries will import and export the same amount of the same product in the same year, like Germany in 2020 which was the world's second largest importer of milk and simultaneously the world’s second largest exporter of milk (around $1.4 billion US)!

Or shrimp from Scotland which travels 6,000miles to Thailand just to be peeled, then shipped back to the UK to be sold! (Planet local:A quiet revolution, 2022)

Like I said, INSANE!

SO what is the solution to this madness?

Think Local, Buy Local.

You know when you went to the local chemist not Chemists Warehouse, 

You went to the hardware store not Bunnings,

You went to the local grocer and farmers market not just Woolies or Coles,

You went to local retailers and not just Kmart and Big W 

These are just some examples of mass corporations which have wiped out local economical infrastructure. 

The challenge we are currently also facing amongst all of is the added rising cost of living, which drives consumers to seek out low cost options, making locally made (non-subsidised and highly taxed) services and products in-accessible for the majority.

In these circumstances coming together as a community, neighborhood or family is crucial. 

Here are some ideas for making healthy, sustainable, local & ethical foods more affordable;

-Start or join a food co-op (cooperative) with your friends, family or neighbors.

Food co-ops are cooperatively owned and volunteer run food stores which are owned and run by people who shop there. This allows members to have more say in the products which are stocked and how much they should be sold for.

Do a quick online search to see if there's one near you

OR check out this beautiful manual from Blue Mountains Food Co-Op on how to start your own!

https://bmfoodcoop.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/How-to-start-a-food-co-op-FINAL.pdf

-Find a food hub. Similar to a co-op, food hubs are initiatives which connect farmers with customers, giving both parties a fairer deal

Check out the list from Open Food Network Australia to find one near you

https://about.openfoodnetwork.org.au/australian-food-hubs/ 

-Check out your local farmers market. The simplest no-fuss version is to take the family or yourself on a weekly trip to your local farmers market. It's a great way to meet the people who grow your food and keep your cash in the community.

Do a quick online search to find your nearest.

-Lastly the most basic effort we can make is choosing products which are made and owned in your own country to cut down on international food miles. Take a quick look at the back of food products or check for signs which tell you where it's made or grown. 

These are just some simple places to start on your journey to supporting your local communities economy while receiving fresher and more ethical foods.

There are many other ways we can localise, including strategies for business, finance, energy & community.

Take a look at the Localization Action Guide by  Local Futures.

And while you're there enjoy this short 50min documentary PLANET LOCAL: A quiet revolution.

With Love,

Ayla