I’m passionate about supporting one’s local economy, in particular local farmers and artisans, but sometimes prohibitive prices make it difficult. Read more in my latest Mother Earth News post:
“When it’s possible and our finances allow, I’m usually willing to pay more for a locally made or grown product of superior quality. How much more? I’d say about 20% above what I’d pay in a chain store for a similar product of comparable quality. This, when I see a justifiable reason for the higher price – such as extra input of time, care or cost of materials.”
I’d say it goes both ways: customers ought to be willing to pay a little more, and farmers/artisans charge a little less, for this to work. I really struggle with myself when I find myself forced to support a large chain store rather than a small local business due to financial constraints.
Domestic Felicity 
I completely agree with you. I would much rather support a local person than a chain store plus local food is much healthier…….but, being on a budget, I can only pay so much. great post.
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Thank you!
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Good advice for here in USA too…we have found in our local farmer’s market that things are often brought in from elsewhere…and not been taken well care of…so if we buy them, might end up in the trash as they are not too good. It is hard to know what to do. Maybe if we get a different place with room for a garden, raised bed type for us oldsters…and a good fence (deer are downright pests here and we live in an area of so much greenery and abundance for their needs…I have no patience to share with them!!)
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Thanks for your insight. I do hope to see a shift towards more seasonal, locally produced food without compromise on quality.
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I feel the same exact way! And I only have to buy produce for myself, so I can imagine how much harder it has to be for you
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It’s good to know I’m not alone in this struggle!
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