Local Food Matters: Kopp's Krops Farm in Shopiere, WI
Supporting local family farmers is one of many ways that Choices sets itself apart from other conventional grocers in Rockford. Organically grown local produce arrives at Choices within hours of being harvested, preventing it from sitting in distribution warehouses, losing valuable nutrients. We know that $14 billion of fresh produce, purchased annually in Illinois, is actually imported from other states or countries--so buying LOCAL produce is one way we can all promote our own economy and keep the money in our community.
Meet Tim and Marianne Kopp. The land they farm has been in the family since 1915. The Kopps have been raising and selling certified naturally grown produce from their farm since the 1960’s. Both have also had other careers. Tim was an electrician and Marianne was a kindergarten teacher. They are retired now and cultivating crops full time. It was great seeing them in their element, sharing their passion for taking a chance on growing new and different varieties and meeting the challenges of farming without the use of chemical inputs.
FOUR BIG REASONS TO HAVE LOCAL PRODUCE
IN YOUR SHOPPING BASKET!
1. Local produce looks and tastes better. It has been picked at its peak and delivered directly to our store, often within 24 hours of harvesting. While large commercial farming operations are focused on varieties that ripen uniformly, resist damage during harvest and shipping, and last a long time on the shelf, local farmers have the flexibility to choose more flavorful heirloom varieties crops with longer growing seasons.
2. Local foods are better for you! The shorter time there is between the farm and your table, the less likely it is that nutrients will be lost from fresh food. No long distance truck or plane transportation is needed and it certainly has not been sitting in a distribution warehouse.
3. Local foods benefit the environment. Our local farmers invest in a healthy ecosystem which helps to preserve fertile soil, protect water sources, and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. By purchasing locally grown food, you also reduce the carbon footprint for transporting it from farm to retail stores.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...
4. Supporting local farmers is an investment in the future. By buying locally grown produce, you help insure that we will continue to have farmers in our community who are growing diverse plant varieties to nourish our families--not just corn and soy beans.
SO, WHETHER YOU BUY LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE THROUGH A CSA, AT CHOICES, OR AT A FARMERS' MARKET, YOU WILL BE EATING DELICIOUS, HEALTHY FOOD THAT HELPS THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUPPORTS AND ENCOURAGES THE FARMERS IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS!
WE ARE INSPIRED EVERY DAY BY THE COMMITMENT OF OUR LOCAL FARMERS WHO HAVE MADE ORGANIC PRACTICES A PRIORITY.
TRUE AMERICAN TREASURES!
Read more about the benefits of local food here:
Local and Regional Food Systems from FoodPrint, a website that analyzes the impact of our food choices on our environment, our food/farm workers, and our public health.
Why Local Food is Better for You from the Rodale Institute