I came across this article today and it reminded that I was intending to start a discussion along these lines.
When you do your shopping, what's your priority? Organic, therefore supposedly healthier and tastier for you, or locally grown? If I have a choice between organically grown carrots from Israel or "standard" carrots from Kent (therefore only down the road by comparison) which should I get? Personally I go for the locally grown. The ideal solution is buy everything from local organic farms, but that isn't always feasible (it involves a lot more planning and really following the seasons, which isn't easy with a household of people who only like specific veg) so I try to compromise... plus growing things locally.
I do however, refuse point blank, to have things like carrots, apples, onions and potatoes that have not been grown in the UK or a country v. close by because they are all grown here in the UK and they store well so can be made available all year round - there is no reason at all to be flying them in from the US or New Zealand (it's amazing how many apples over here have come from New Zealand - the other day I even came across Coxes that had come from NZ.... why?????).
This article also raises another good point - should you really better for eating that organic ready meal, with products from all over the world. It would have less negative impact on the world (and probably taste better) if you made it yourself with local products.
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Ir has to be local for me-organic is just too pricey. I get really narked when I see my local Sainsburys selling Jersey new potatoes when the local Pembroke potatoes are in season here (& much tastier in my biased view!)
Also, I have a tiny garden but have started growing my own herbs & salads in containers-the satisfaction of dishing up your own mint sauce or rocket salad is fab, and it all grows like weeds in this weather. Most councils are also obliged to provide allotments if there is a certain demand, my sister & I will be sharing one next year!
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