By: Sydney

Sydney — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:59:41 +0000

I think 80 miles is well within most recognized standards for local/regional produce. Look at the farmers who come to Chicago from Southwest Wisconsin. Looking forward to more posts about the farm.

By: M

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:39:21 +0000

Wow. How do you define local? I too farm outside of Chicago, IL, roughly 61 miles west in McHenry County.
I think a few things make you local to a particular market:
1. The mere fact that you DO service that area
2. Being, roughly, in the same growing zone
Large organic coops, like UNITED NATURAL FOODS, of which I am a member, defines it as adjacent states. In other words, if I, living in Illinois, wish to order a case of say, organic maple syrup, I can only order it from a surrounding state like WI, IA, IN etc.
As cities grow, we farmers will be forced to live farther and farther away from the public. I feel fortunate to be able to still afford the gas and time to go into Cook County. I hope it’s appreciated.
MM Graff M’s Organic Sustainable Farm and Mountain Moon Herbal Care Products.
P.S. Keep up the good work, Vera, I admire your persistance in your long journey.

Comments on: How do I farm from 80 miles away?

By: Sydney

By: M