Each year, farmers all around the world face a challenge. It is something you might have never thought about.

I dare to say that us, the consumers, keep different objectives in mind when thinking about food. Farmers are challenged finding an outlet for their surplus crop. And how do we define surplus crop in the farming economy?

We can define surplus crop as the food that remains after farmers are done harvesting. Importantly, food that cannot be sold on the market or that cannot be harvested at all. A main obstacle in the farming economy around the world.

And you might be thinking what is the result of this situation? Well, unfortunately, as a consequence farmers make less revenue for the season. Or, potentially it represents a loss of food for people in their communities.

Farming is the source of our food supply. It is also an industry that is suffering from labor shortages. In a fact, farming is heavily influenced by weather and climate change. Have you ever though about a case when there is no water… How are we going to allow the food to grow?

Local vs. Large food suppliers

Firstly, we as consumer, have a huge impact on this issue maybe without even knowing about it. Secondly, now, more than ever, consumers are intensively focused on sustainability aspects such as healthy eating and supporting locally owned businesses.

Restaurants, for example, face the question of cooking from local ingredients or ingredients bought from nationwide chains. However, what they need to consider making the decision is food quality. As a result of a better food quality, the prices of those products might be higher. Nonetheless, this aspect might be appealing to your customers. The question is, will these local ingredients be available when you need them?

Local food supporting farming economy

Providing fresh local food to the customers might be a plus. The term local food is nowadays very appealing. Mainly for customers who are looking into more healthier eating options. Are you aiming to provide the freshest and highest possible quality of food? Then the advice for your establishment is, that this is the way to go.

Locally-grown products are often the best choice, helping the farming economy in your region. The harvested food by local farmers is then fully exploited.

A major supplier

Although supporting local farming economy might bring many advantages, it is not the only way to go. For example, working with national suppliers can be beneficial to your needs, as a restaurant, as well.

Maybe the first advantage is the cost aspect. A major supplier might indeed save you some money. How is that possible?

Major suppliers, are, logically, larger in size then local farmers. Therefore, they are more inclined and financially able to offer discounts to their customers. Discounts in form of price reduction, or, bulk deals and sometimes even more variety of products.

So, i think it is quite understandable that sometimes restaurants and other establishments need to go for larger suppliers than local farmers. As much as they would love to support local business, local farmers are not always able to provide items you need. Or they might not be able to provide these items on regular basis.

To conclude, pros of going with a major supplier includes: cost reduction, product variety, efficient delivery.

How to decide?

I think it is completely understandable if costs are really an important aspect when considering the right supplier for your business. Both local and large suppliers offer variety of desirable benefits, that are not the same. So when for example a restaurant is trying to decide which way to go, what is the best decision, multiple elements need to be taken into consideration.

I would advice the decision-maker to write down the business or personal needs at stake. Order them on the paper according to priorities. Weight all the elements and take your time to think about your choice. What experience are you looking for?

Don’t forget, that maybe even mix of both methods can work for you. That way you can reap the benefits of each option. Just make the smartest decision possible, and don’t forget how many you are helping by supporting the locals!