Going 'green' in more ways than one

Going "green" in your dietary habits will mean more green dollar bills for your neighbors, according to area growers.

More local restaurants, farms and environmental organizations are working to bridge the gap on the distance food travels between the farm and the fork. It's called sustainable agriculture, and in many circles, it's catching on.

I discussed the issue during a Bay News 9 talk-back yesterday (if you don't tune in, you need to) and will have a story on the topic in the Bradenton Herald and Bradenton.com on Monday. Obviously, you'll want to read that.

Buying locally grown produce, wild fish and farm-raised meat is healthier for you and tastes better -- while cutting down dependence on harmful fuel, chefs say. But what does this have to do with a business blog?

The practice also been touted to benefit the economy. Experts estimate if every consumer bought just 5 percent of their groceries from a local source, it would  boost the U.S. economy to the tune of $40 million a year.

That equates to more jobs for Florida's agriculture industry.

So, the question remains, do you stop by a local farmer's market for produce? If so, which one? And what's your favorite locally grown item? I'm a tomato guy myself.

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