Oregon seems to be the source for many trends that resonate here in NW lower Michigan--smart growth, and the property-rights reaction against the same, among others. The New York Times has a good article this morning on the growing interest there in locally-grown foods.

A culture of markets and restaurants specializing in locally-grown foods is worth encouraging. One the hand, it provides a much-needed market for local farmers. The statistics in Oregon are impressive. The number of farms in Oregon has risen from 26,753 in 1974 to 40,033 in 2002, the last year for which statistics are available. And the farmers are making money. "Nineteen years ago we were going broke," says one rancher quoted in the piece. "Now we are paying income taxes."

When consumers prize (and choose) locally grown foods, the local economy benefits, but consumers benefit most of all. While there may a small premium to be paid over mass-produced foods trucked in from factory farms, the consumer benefits in getting food whose origins they know; and in better freshness and flavor. Our region already has a rich selection of locally-produced fruits, wines, cheeses, and other foods; as consumers are educated about the benefits of buying local, not only will our economy improve, but also our quality of life. (If you are interested in learning more about locally grown food in our area and the efforts underway to promote it, a good place to start is the site of the Michigan Land Use Institute, which has been doing a great job of devising and supporting programs to support the local foods movement.)