Here’s something strange. Food that travels ten thousand kilometers is often cheaper than food grown around the corner.
How is that possible?
Because the true costs are hidden — paid not at the register, but through our taxes. Artificially low transport prices make global food look cheap.
Today, let’s talk about shifting to regional economies.
I look up to Helena Norberg-Hodge, founder of Local Futures and maker of the documentary The Economics of Happiness.
For decades, she has worked to support local food economies. She describes clearly how products that come from far away are less expensive than products from around the corner — despite all the distribution costs — because they are subsidized by taxes through artificially low transport prices.
In the local system, we see the consequences of our actions. In the global system, we do not see the consequences of buying a cheaper product from the supermarket.
She is a positive supporter of local economies and local food systems.
What makes me happy about this: organizing locally, connecting, working and supporting each other. It is good for nature in our surroundings, and we get healthier, tastier food. More, but smaller farms — while we reduce our ecological footprint.
Local food is for everyone. Watch her documentary.
Here is your habit: The Local Sourcing Review.
Look at all your purchases, in your business and your kitchen, and ask: where does this come from? Then make one strategic shift toward your region. It is smart for the future of your company and your community.
For example, I am enthusiastic about the vegetable box from my region. (Achterhoek pakket)
Sources & References
- The Economics of Happiness documentary (2011), Helena Norberg-Hodge / Local Futures — the economics of local versus global food systems.
- “The Economics of Eating” — Local Futures / Helena Norberg-Hodge on the hidden tax subsidies that make distant food artificially cheap.
- Local Futures (localfutures.org) — decades of work supporting local food economies and regional food systems.
- Interviews and publications by Helena Norberg-Hodge on the costs of globalisation and the benefits of localisation.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helena_Norberg-Hodge
- https://www.localfutures.org
- https://www.helenanorberghodge.com
- Closer to Home (film)
- Planet Local (film)
- Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh
- Photo Source:
- Portrait photo of Helena Norberg-Hodge in a sunflower field, from the Local Futures website (localfutures.org), used with attribution for editorial/press purposes.
