Our experience living as farmers is so enmeshed with our experience living as humans. The whole work-life separation thing doesn’t really exist when you live and work on your farm, and when your livelihood is based on the healthy growth of plants to whom 9-5 time clocks have no meaning. We love what we do, and think the food we produce is awesome, but we can sometimes feel like a broken record when trying to tout the benefits of fresh, local produce. The ethos behind eating locally is so much a part of who we are, we thought we'd get an outside perspective on why this stuff even matters.
So, we turned to the robots and asked Chat GPT a few questions. The robots said it… not us.
Do you think vegetables from your local, organic farmer are safer to eat than vegetables you'd buy at a grocery store? What types of chemicals can be found on grocery store produce, and how are they harmful?
Chat GPT Answer:
As an AI language model, I don't have personal beliefs or opinions, but I can provide you with some information to help answer your question.
It is generally believed that local, organic vegetables are safer to eat than conventionally-grown produce sold in grocery stores. This is because local, organic farmers tend to use fewer pesticides and other chemicals when growing their crops, which can reduce the amount of harmful chemicals that end up on the vegetables.
Conventionally-grown produce, on the other hand, is often treated with pesticides and other chemicals to protect it from insects, fungi, and other pests. These chemicals can include fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides, among others. While these chemicals are intended to protect the crops, they can also be harmful to humans if consumed in large quantities.
Some of the chemicals found on grocery store produce include:
Organophosphates - these are a type of insecticide that can damage the nervous system and cause respiratory problems.
Neonicotinoids - these are another type of insecticide that can harm bees and other pollinators, as well as other beneficial insects.
Glyphosate - this is an herbicide that is often used on crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. It has been linked to cancer and other health problems.
Chlorpyrifos - this is another insecticide that has been linked to developmental problems in children.
While these chemicals are regulated by government agencies and deemed safe for human consumption when used as directed, some studies have suggested that long-term exposure to these chemicals could have negative health effects, such as an increased risk of cancer, hormonal imbalances, and neurotoxicity.
While the risks associated with consuming conventionally-grown produce are relatively low, it is generally recommended that consumers try to purchase local, organic vegetables whenever possible to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals.
What are a few reasons to support your local, female-owned farmer?
Chat GPT Answer:
There are several reasons to support your local, female-owned farmer:
Promotes gender equality: Supporting female farmers can help to promote gender equality in agriculture and in society more broadly. By supporting female farmers, we can help to break down traditional gender roles and empower women to take on leadership roles in their communities.
Boosts local economy