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Buy Local

It Matters!

We’ve seen the impact of buying local here in the Pioneer Valley.  Whereas the trend of receding farmland continues in many areas of the country, the most recent Census of Agriculture revealed that the total acreage of farmland has actually increased in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. Farming profitably continues to remain a challenge, though, due to rising costs, crop failure and poor weather, and fierce competition from the global food system.

The case for local agriculture has never been stronger. Buying local:

  • keeps money in the local economy
  • preserves family farms
  • reduces oil-dependent transportation costs
  • protects our local landscapes
  • ensures that fresh, healthy food stays available and affordable to all

That’s why, since 1993, CISA has led the way in developing initiatives that support farmers, create strong markets for their products, and build a thriving agriculture economy here in western Massachusetts.