Buying Quote by Kathleen Merrigan
“We must go beyond organic, as it is currently defined in the National Organic Standards, and strive for food that is not only healthful and natural but also local... Buying locally means farmers get more of the food dollar, we get better nutrition, and less fuel is consumed in transport.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: USDA Organic Policy Forum, 2018
Advocates expanding the definition of organic food to include health, naturalness, and local sourcing, emphasizing economic and environmental benefits.
In simple terms: Organic should also mean local and nutritious.
Key Takeaway
Support local, nutritious food choices.
Themes
food policy
local economies
environmental sustainability
Mood
optimistic
pragmatic
Type
policy
advocational
When to use this quote
- community markets
- farm-to-table restaurants
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
organic standards
food systems
supply chain
nutrition
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance local benefits with broader access?
- What incentives encourage farmers to adopt local practices?
A Different Perspective
Local sourcing may limit variety and increase costs.
