Organic Dairy Farming: 'Got Local Organic Milk?'

Part 3: Local Production For Local Consumption

By Ken Roseboro, The Non-GMO Report

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Radiance milk is always fresh from the farm because it is only sold locally at supermarkets and restaurants in Fairfield, Iowa. Demand for Radiance organic milk is strong in this small Iowa town of 10,000, which is unique in that a significant percentage of its population buys organic foods. "We have a good market here," says Thicke, who wants to keep his production local, believing that expanding regionally would bring unwanted challenges. It's not that people don't want him to expand. "We often get calls from people in Des Moines and other areas who want our milk," he says.

Remaining local demonstrates Thicke's commitment to community supported agriculture (CSA), which aims to reestablish the connection between consumers and farmers that has been severed by modern agriculture. In the United States, food travels an average of 1,300 miles from the farm to the retail shelf. Nearly every state buys up to 90 percent of its food from somewhere else, which causes billions of dollars to leak from state economies each year. CSA helps stem the losses by developing regional food supplies that build local economies.

In a CSA program, consumers pay a membership fee to a local farmer and receive fresh organic produce throughout the growing season. CSA establishes a mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and consumers. Farmers gain a ready market and fair compensation for their crops, while consumers receive locally grown organic foods at prices below retail. Money remains in the community.

In the process consumers learn how their food is produced, gain a greater appreciation for organic farmers, and often participate in the farming work. In addition, CSA saves energy because no long distance transportation costs are involved. CSA is a growing trend in the U.S. with more than 1,000 programs nationwide.

Thicke promotes community-based food systems through a Food and Society Policy Fellowship he received from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which is a national program that aims to improve communications about food and agriculture issues in the United States.

While structured differently than a CSA program, Radiance Dairy is essentially the same because it supports Francis Thicke's farm and gives Fairfield consumers a reliable source for fresh, organic milk. "Local production for local consumption," as Thicke likes to say.

Organic Valley's chief executive officer George Siemon says he supports milk producers like Radiance that connect directly with local markets. "We like to get beat out by local competition," he says. Organic Valley produces and sells regional sub-brands, "California Pasture" and "New England Pasture."

Thicke sees CSA as vital for the future of agriculture. "I think we will see a dramatic growth in community-based food systems in coming years," says Thicke. "These will provide fresher, safer, and more secure food supplies for local consumers, protect natural resources, and contribute to the prosperity and renewal of rural communities."

Previous: Radiance Dairy Organic Farm

Humane Treatment and Soil Health

'Genetically Altered Foods and Your Health', by Ken Roseboro

A thoughtful, complete, and clear explanation of Genetically Engineered foods, the dangers, and what we can do to fight back against their taking over our food supply. Ken is the editor of Non-Gmo Report, where you can buy his short, readable, and excellent book.

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