The group “Practical Farmers of Iowa” has a conference planned for next week where they’ll talk about growing food locally. Spokesperson Sally Worley says organic or local products are gaining in popularity. Worley says awareness is increasing among people who want to know where their food is coming from, or what they are eating if the food is not grown locally.
Worley says there are several factors involved in the changing attitudes. She says the recent food scares, and the discovery of antibiotics in food is one of the things pushing the interest in local food, and people are getting more educated in the health benefits of local food.
Worley also says the obesity epidemic is a concern and the desire to help the local economy. Finding locally grown food is a concern, but Worley believes more producers are stepping up the supply.
Worley says the supply is increasing, but there is a need for more as suppliers say demand is beyond their supply. The Practical Farmers of Iowa 2008 conference is January 11-12th at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines. For more information, surf to the PFI website .