Local vs. global food: what is better?

Local vs. global food: what is better?

Local vs. Global food: What is better?

Food plays a crucial role in our daily life. In addition to the basic function of fulfilling our nutritional needs, you also have an impact on our health, community and the environment. When it comes to food, the question often arises: should we prefer local or global products? In this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of local and global foods to find out what is better.

Definition of local and global foods

Before we start looking at the differences between local and global food, it is important to clearly define these terms.

Local food:

global food:

global food, on the other hand, are transported over long distances and have global availability. They are often produced in large quantities and are subject to complex logistics that enables them to export them into distant regions.

advantages of local food

freshness and taste:

Local foods have the advantage that they are usually fresher than global products. Since they do not have to be transported long, they are often harvested or caught shortly before sale or use. This means that you keep your optimal taste and nutritional value.

Support of the local economy:

The purchase of local food can help strengthen the local economy. Farms and local producers receive direct support, which contributes to the sustainable development of the community and the creation of jobs.

Environmental friendliness:

Local foods usually have a lower CO2 footprint because they have shorter transport routes. The transport of global food often requires long distances with the truck, the aircraft or the ship, which leads to increased energy consumption and pollutant emissions.

Insight into the production methods:

The purchase of local food offers the opportunity to get an insight into the production methods and better understand the food supply chain. Consumers can often meet the farmers or producers personally and ask questions about the cultivation method, on the use of pesticides or for animal husbandry.

advantages of global food

diversity and availability:

global foods offer a larger variety of products and flavors. By importing food from different parts of the world, consumers can enjoy a wide selection all year round. To be available globally also enables food to be found that are not native to certain regions.

Fantior prices:

Due to mass export and mass production, global food can often be offered at cheaper prices. This can be an advantage when it comes to stretching the budget for food.

improved access to healthy foods:

In some regions of the world, access to fresh food is limited. The import of global food can help close this gap and to give people access to nutrient -rich foods that they would otherwise not have.

International trade relationships:

Trade in global food promotes international relationships and the exchange of goods between countries. This can help to boost the economy and contribute to global cooperation.

Fazit

There are advantages and disadvantages in both local and global food. Ultimately, the choice depends on what is important to you personally. If you attach great importance to freshness, taste, the support of the local economy and the environment, local foods may be the best option. However, if you want a greater variety, cheaper prices and improved access to certain foods, then global food can be the preferred choice.

Regardless of the choice, it is important to make conscious decisions and to find out about the origin of the food. It is advisable to support local farms that use sustainable cultivation methods, or to choose fair-trade-certified global products in order to minimize the effects on the environment and the community.

sources:
- "The Local Foods Movement: at a Glance" - United States Department of Agriculture
- "The Benefits of Eating Local Foods" - University of Vermont Extension
- "The Case for Sustainable Local Food Systems" - University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture