Every year the United Nations (UN) declare an area to focus on for 12 months and in 2014 the sector receiving this attention is the humble family farm.
The UN have said they aim to raise the profile of family farming and its significant role in eradicating hunger and poverty as well as providing food security and nutrition and managing natural resources and protecting the environment.
One way to support this goal in the 365 days of 2014 is to buy organic meat from local family farms.
Not only will this help the environment as it reduces the amount of packaging and transport needed to get food from paddock to table, but it may also help to boost the local economy as you are supporting regional farmers.
Family farming has a focus on traditional food products, and grass-fed beef and organic lamb production avoids the use of harmful pesticides which can damage the environment and may have significant effects on the human body.
Plus, organic family farms are more sustainable and ecologically balanced to help prevent pest problems and improve soil fertility.
Rather than treating problems as they are established,organic farming focuses on taking a proactive approach to treat any issue that could arise ahead in future.
Organic family farms also focus on promoting diversity. Fewer crop varieties are now used to feed a growing population. Historically over 7,000 crop types were used but this has decreased to 150 commercially grown items, according to the UN.
These small family farms rotate crops which creates a natural and healthier gene pool for these goods to grow from.
Buying local natural meat from family farms will help ensure you and your family receive adequate nutrition without the harm caused to the environment by other forms of farming.
