I love this time of year. The days are warm and the nights cool quickly. Each day the sunrise and sunset promise to be more beautiful than the day before. The cool,clear sky allows the moon to seem close enough to touch.
But most of all I love the fruits and vegetables grown in our county. It's harvest time. And how can you beat the taste of an apple that just came off the tree, or the smell of peaches as they ripen in the sun, or the feel of a cantaloupe heavy with flavor. And don't forget the earthy taste of a new potato, or the unbelievably bright flavor of a tomato big enough to fill you hands.
During September I enjoy buying boxes of peaches and apples at local produce stands to take to people at work. They eagerly pay for the quality fruit that is not found in many local groceries. And they must also listen to me extol the virtues of Canyon County fruit.
Buying local produce makes everyone a winner. It provides an income for farmers and workers that contributes to our local economy. It reduces energy consumption by using less gas and diesel to transport food to markets. But most of all, it is an investment in maintaining our local farms and orchards.
The quality is great and the benefits are many. We need to foster and support the agricultural businesses in our state. Better roads, better land use planning, and better water management will all help keep our farmers growing some of the best produce in the nation. Purchasing local will do even more.
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