Which is better, local or organic? The easiest answer is both. Consumers should look for food that is produced locally using organic methods whenever possible. Whether you are looking out for your own body or the whole planet, if you buy fruits, vegetables and meats that have both of these characteristics you are right on target. However, it is not always possible to find food meeting both criteria. Here is an explanation of what each of these terms mean and what to look for if you want to purchase products with either of these designations.

Organic refers to the method by which a certain food has been grown and processed. Particularly, it refers to production without the use of chemical fertilizers, drugs or genetic modification. This type of production is the fastest growing segment of the agricultural economy. Consumers are drawn to these products because they are believed to be better for our health. After all, if you are what you eat then you are probably best sticking to things that haven’t been sprayed with stuff humans shouldn’t eat.

This is not only good news for our bodies, it is also fantastic news for the environment. The expansion of organic farming means a reduction of the effects caused by the petroleum based chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides) on our planet. When consumers look for labels like “Certified Organic” or “Certified Naturally Grown,” they are ensuring their good health and protecting the environment.

Local refers to the proximity of producer to the consumer. By buying local, the consumer helps out the environment by reducing fuel costs and boosts the local economy (and community) by purchasing from a neighbor. There is no official rule as to how close that proximity has to be to attain “local” status. At the Anderson County Farmer’s Market all the produce must be grown in Anderson County, but other retailers have a wider definition. There are some indications for which to look, like the “Certified South Carolina Grown” label, but the best thing to do is simply ask.

Everybody has a role to play in agriculture. As eaters, the feedback that the farmers and farm companies receive from our purchases informs them what to produce. By looking for “local” and “organic,” we tell them to produce more stuff that is good for our bodies, our communities, and our planet.