“I don’t care where it comes from! I’m sick of summer produce, get any fall products you can!”

Produce Manager of a large unnamed “wholesome” market chain.

I’ve spent the past week writing a scathing editorial on people cashing in on the “local food” craze.  I called people out (not by name), criticized business practices and praised others.  You may be asking yourself “where is said modern day Watergate”.  Well, unlike Bernstein and Woodward I tossed it. Crtl-A + Delete is very cathartic.

Why did I delete it? Very simply, I don’t care.  Its not that I don’t care about supporting small farms or helping local producers, because I care very deeply about that.  What I don’t care about is money.  Frankly thats what it all boils down to. These people are out to make a buck by cashing in on a buzz word, and we can’t blame them.  Most of these unnamed businesses/restaurants are in it for their bottom line and thats how the industry works. Profits usually come before quality.

But guess who comes out loosing in this little game, the consumer.  Not only do we get duped into paying more for products that don’t come from where we think, but we loose the confidence to shop for these products.  Do yourself a favor and help out the small guy, it’ll make you feel better, might even clear up your complexion.

I’m done being preachy. Consider yourself lucky.