Why Local Farming?

We feel local organic agriculture is an integral part of the future food supply of the Eastern United States. Healthy local farms mean healthy local economies and a safe source of food not subject larger national and international problems. Local and regional based agriculture and food systems are gaining strength because as fuel and energy costs go up, the cost of food from outside the northeast is rising. In the near future, even the most efficient industrialized food companies will have trouble competing in the Eastern market if a regional food infrastructure is developed. Locally Known is actively working to become a large part of the organic produce supply in the East. We feel that giving people the opportunity to eat locally and regionally is essential.

Environmental Benefits

If you are concerned about the environment and your health regionally grown organic food is the way to go. Not only are countless harmful pesticides and herbicides kept out of the environment, but less fuel is used in the growing and transportation process.

At Locally Known it is important to us that our food is healthy and that our contribution to the world helps lay the framework for an economically and environmentally viable future.

Food Security

As demand for petroleum increases and supplies diminish we must ask ourselves about where our food will come from in the future. We think that local and regional food security is essential to our communities. That is why we are trying to build a strong food production, packaging and distribution infrastructure here in Maine and on the East coast. We feel that the more food we can produce in season here in Maine the more we can contribute to the safety of the regional food supply.

Local Economy

The Locally Known business model is also set up to encourage healthy local economies. During its first year, the company created 40 much needed jobs, paying above average wages, in Bowdoinham, Maine. We also feel that agriculture is beginning to gain importance and value again as town, counties and even states are recognizing the value of open space, local agriculture, organic practices and regional economies.

The East Coast as a Bread Basket

Agriculture throughout the East Coast has been in decline for half a century as production of many crops has been shifted to the west coast and development has destroyed millions of acres of farmland.

The movement towards organic and local foods has created a situation where farming organically in the East is economically viable. Locally Known will work with conventional farmers by helping them to transition to organic production with its transitional organic program, launched in 2008. Through this program the company will offer agricultural free consulting services to new growers to assist them in producing large yields of high quality organic produce for Locally Known.

We feel that the East can produce all of its own food if we build the necessary production, processing and distribution infrastructure and can develop a community of organic farmers, vendors and consumers.