Think global; Eat local

Globalization of the world's food supply provides us with many exotic and troubling options. With seasons reversed south of the equator and industrial storage facilities hooked into continental distribution plans, we can obtain any food product on a whim.

When quantity abounds, quality often suffers. Personal choice beyond the physical produce may trend toward esoteric issues of dependability, trust, economics and environment. Pomegranates instead of poppies from Afghanistan farmers may sound politically correct, but I bet we can find some wonderful tropical fruit from our own local Florida growers.

Planting a garden and a few citrus trees in the yard is as local a source of a food supply as you can get. But with many neighborhood property owner association rules requiring yards of singular appearance, even growing a tomato plant in a plastic pot is forbidden! There are exceptions: My brother's yard in a subdivision resembled an orange grove, and he shared bushels of fruit with his cul-de-sac neighbors. (He has since moved.) Reserve a plot in a community garden if a backyard farm is not practical.

Exploring beyond the backyard will take some research. With the Internet at our fingertips, alternate sources for obtaining fresh food are easily located. Local food co-ops exist where growers network with consumers using the efficiency of information technology. Home deliveries of weekly food packages come in many flavors. Some plans even include a freezer unit. Other resources can be found at county extension offices, local newspapers and word of mouth.

With the example of many remaining nearby farms growing nothing but sod and ornamental plants, I'm surprised we have any locally grown food crop choices available. Luckily, the rural zones ringing many cities are seeing a resurgence of family farms and U-Pick market gardens. Whether this is a result of a bad job market or insightful neighbors honing in on enlightened demand, growing crops instead of sprawl is a refreshing trend! (Disclosure: my U-Pick operation, Sundew Gardens, grows vegetables, citrus, herbs and eggs.)

Commercial produce markets, health food retailers, restaurants and roadside stands seek local growers like I've never seen before. But compared to global availability, seasonal local produce selection is limited. During the summer's off season, the only local and fresh citrus will be grapefruit. Other summertime crops include collard greens, okra, black-eyed peas and Seminole pumpkins. By eating local, in-season crops, we support local producers and will help guarantee their return next season. Think global; eat local!