Food is a major player in supporting local job retention

A Bord Bia survey from a few years back discovered that one of the main reasons people purchased local food was to help create and sustain local jobs. This is a hugely encouraging starting point for any local food producer, many of whom are based in rural areas creating an essential presence that would otherwise be lost.

The concept of promoting a healthy and vibrant ‘global economy’ is one that has gained much traction in recent years. But when it comes to food production and consumption, the ‘local economy’ must take precedence if and where possible.

An intensification of food cultivation, sale and consumption at a local level has the effect of creating greater demand. And where there is greater demand there is a mini economic stream created in a locality that can be tapped into.

If supported by as many consumers as possible, it prevents money leaving the community and local economy. This in turn establishes a healthy and cultural understanding of food. Even our very understanding of the word ‘local’ throws up multiple definitions of support and a belief in contributing to success at a micro level.

The more that consumers are made curious and willing to support local producers, it will translate into a mini economy of its own making. If supported consistently, this, in turn, can also insulate local food suppliers from the mass production options that tend to proliferate markets. Supporting local food producers is to build an economy that can survive on its own merits and strengths helping to sustain local jobs.