Overview

Proponents of the local foods movement argue that major environmental benefits can be generated through sourcing foods locally. But two key question remain. Can we know what the environmental benefits are and can we measure them? In Tompkins County, New York and acrtoss the larger Finger Lakes Region, the local foods movement is accelerating quickly. The vibrant local food system of the area appears to provide a foundation for the emergence of a deliberately conceived landscape that has the capacity to deliver a well balanced blend of agricultural production, environmental conservation and livelihood security benefits to residents of the region.