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Looking to buy fresh local produce and support area businesses around Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake or Trumbull County? Check out our Northeast Counties 2nd Edition of the Farm Bureau Buying Local Directory!  The directory not only benefits residents in our community, but Farm Bureau members who get to list their goods and services for FREE!

Download your copy today and start supporting local businesses around the county! Don’t forget to share with your friends and family as well! 

So why is it important to buy local foods?

It’s fresh and it tastes better. Local produce is able to ripen naturally, instead of being picked before ripening actually happens. Most produce you buy in large chain groceries travels long distances and if picked when ripe, would likely be rotten before it hit the store shelves, so it is picked before it has ripened.

Relationships. Local foods create connections that you can’t get online. Getting to know the people who produce your food is important to not only the consumers but to the farmers as well. With so many misconceptions of farmers and farming practices, relationships are so important. But with those relationships, trust, sharing and learning are key.

Stronger local communities. When you buy locally, you are supporting your community and helping those farmers and businesses continue on for future generations.

Variety. Oh the things you can find when buying local: Maple-covered peanuts, chocolate-covered bacon, homemade soap and so much more. Local farmers tend to grow a variety of items instead of only one crop. Additionally, they love supporting other farmers and businesses as well and often branch out offering other locally made products.

Download the 2021 Buying Local Directory

Submitted by Mandy Orahood, an Ohio Farm Bureau organization director serving Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.