Wonderful post! I guess I was very lucky because I grew up on a farm and had high quality vegetables and fruit. While my parents were alive they sold at Farmers Markets in Wisconsin. My dad was into the organic movement well before people understood it's importance.. I may have chosen a different path for a career, but most of my adult life I have grown my own food organically.

When most people talk about gardening they are growing in small plots. I currently use about 3500 square feet for gardening, I can, store, dry, and freeze some. I plant a little extra because the deer like raiding my garden.

I taught my daughter and granddaughter gardening. The have smaller plots but at least they do it. I taught them how to butcher chickens, even though they do not participate currently, they do know where their food comes from.

I even grow greens indoors under lights in the winter so I have some fresh raw veggies.

Yes, by all means, support your local farmer...They work very long days to provide nourishing food. By buying directly from them you bi-pass the middleman and get much better and fresher food. Big agriculture companies/farms do not grow food for the taste. instead they grow it so it will ship.

I do not mean to ramble, but this post is VERY important to read. Great job presenting such important information!