Transporting the eggs to the restaurants and, ultimately, the consumers is another type of employment opportunity driven by this cycle. The demand for local food has grown exponentially in the past several years leading to farm expansions, farmer’s markets and local food hubs.


Each farm has its specialty items


which change according to the seasons. However, Heart of Christmas has an unusual system called aquaponics. This water-based system allows some temperature and climate control of the growing environment, leading to a variety of foods being produced year round.


Many foods that grow here in Central Florida are unique to this region. Large corporations, which grow foods for the mass food supply, will plant hundreds of acres of the same crop (“mono- cropping”). This goes against nature, depletes our soil and creates other imbalances in our ecosystem. These imbalances lead to pesticide-resistant bugs—requiring more and more chemicals.


Dale: “I use Guinea Hens as a natural pest control. They roam the farm to eat bugs and ticks.”


Dr. A: They are quite beautiful to see when you visit. Why is chemical-free farming important? All the farmers I interviewed agree with Luc: “Chemical- free farming is important to respect the soil, the aquifers and the people eating our food.” Chemical-free farming is more labor intensive than other methods.


Jim: “I worked for a commercial nursery when I was younger and saw a lot of dangerous things happen because of chemicals. I vowed to never work with harsh chemicals and pesticides in the future.”


He has kept that promise to himself and, thankfully we, as consumers, get to benefi t from that promise. Local farms contribute positively to this


cycle by growing a variety of crops without chemical sprays and without Genetically Modifi ed Organisms (GMOs.) This allows for benefi cial insects, bees and butterfl ies to fl ourish. Crop diversity helps our environment, our global ecosystem and our individual creativity in the kitchen.


Dale: “Large corporations have genetically- modifi ed turkeys to the point where they can’t even mate naturally.”


This was driven by the


consumer demand for more white meat. Lake Meadow Naturals uses older heritage breeds that still taste like turkey and can mate naturally.


Most farmers are up before the sun rises, work 10-12 hour days and dedicate their entire lives to their farm. In fact, I recently visited A Natural Farm and Education Center the day after Christmas where Luc and his son Julian were working in the fi elds together. Farming is a 365-day-per-year commitment.


Local farms are about community, family and responsibility to our environment and our health. There are classes, farm tours and community projects involving children and adults at the farms mentioned here. There are hundreds of places to buy and eat locally-grown food. To fi nd a local farm in your area, go to the Central Florida Local Food Guide on-line and see the list. Local farms foster a personal connection with the farmers, the food and the land. Join the local food movement, take a trip to a local farm, meet the farmer and deepen your appreciation and respect for the food you are eating.


Luc Duytsche and Family A Natural Farm and Education Center 23630 SR19 Howey in the Hills 34737 352-536-3112 • anaturalfarm.com


By supporting your local food system,


you are eating the most fl avorful ingredients with the highest nutrient density while you are reducing pollution and supporting your local economy.


Here is just a small sampling of


where to buy Local Food. Many more Central FL Farmers appreciate your business and deserve your support.


Richard Kann and Family Heart of Christmas Farms 21310 Fort Christmas Rd. Christmas 32709


(407) 512-2004 • hocfarms.com


Dale Volkert Lake Meadow Naturals 10000 Mark Adam Rd • Ocoee 34761 321-206-6262 lakemeadownaturals.com


Jim Hunter South Seminole Farm & Nursery 2010 E Lake Dr • Casselberry 32707 407-695-3247


sseminolefarmandnursery.com


Emily Rankin Local Roots Farm Store


3201 Corrine Dr • Orlando 32803 321-422-3276


localrootsdistribution.com March 2014 23


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