Opinion | 'While the choice to buy local might feel personal, the benefits impact our state in ways that are especially critical during a time of shortages.'
Every time we buy local food and products, we are simultaneously boosting Colorado’s economy and heritage.
With more than 38,900 farms encompassing nearly 32 million acres, agriculture is a vital part of Colorado – providing more than 195,000 jobs, contributing more than $47 billion to the state’s economy annually; and feeding the world with more than $2 billion in food and agricultural products exported.
We all have a role in how we contribute to those numbers. As more local food is purchased, the food supply chain will respond to increased demand for locally-grown and — raised food — securing availability here, while also allowing Colorado producers to help meet food needs across the U.S. and around the world. That’s good for everyone.
Unpredictable global actions will continue to impact food availability and prices, but purposeful reactions by all of us will help our local food system. While it’s still too early to predict the potential long-term fallout from the war in Ukraine, some of the choices we make now will pay off later. After all, it’s not just the responsibility of the farmers and ranchers; it’s important for all of us to take active roles in feeding Colorado by choosing to buy local.
Tom Lipetzky is the director of the Markets Division with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, responsible for marketing programs including Colorado Proud, export development, and the promotion of Colorado wine. He also serves on the Colorado Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and Gov. Jared Polis’ Revenue Estimating Advisory Committee and Financial Review Committee.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
India Isn't the Only One Banning Food Exports. These Countries Are Doing the SameHere’s a list of countries that have banned food exports in the months after the Russia-Ukraine war started, according to the PIIE
Read more »
World Bank to provide additional $12B to tackle global food crisisRussia's offensive against Ukraine and international economic sanctions on Moscow have disrupted supplies of wheat and other food supplies from both countries, especially in developing nations.
Read more »
Yellen: Ukraine war fallout threatens 'stagflation,' hungerTreasury Secretary Janet Yellen is warning that Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine has produced a sharp increase in food and energy prices that is contributing to a slowdown in growth and creating greater risk of global stagflation.
Read more »
McDonald's Russia: Fast food chain leaving country altogether amid Ukraine warThe burger chain will sell its Russia business, saying the 'humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led McDonald's to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald's values.'
Read more »
How To Access Abortion Now — & If (& When) Roe FallsHere's how to find an abortion clinic near you if necessary, what we can do to protect abortion rights, and more.
Read more »