Preferential purchasing is easy to adopt
Dear Editor,
My husband and I produce organically in our garden nearly all we need, and our excess helps feed the Valley fresh and local goods. We do have shortfalls like sugar, grains, molasses, mayonnaise, cheese, Greek yogurt, greens out of season, and avocados, to name just a few. Shopping for organic products (free of pesticides and not genetic modified) is rewarding but sometimes trying in the Comox Valley:
• It can be pricey. Buying organic is sometimes the least expensive option, but we are still occasionally shocked when seeing the price differences between organic and non-organic products. We still try to purchase organic despite the cost, and especially locally produced organic products to help our local small farmers make a living.
• In-store selection is limited and sometimes produce looks limp and discoloured like it has been on the shelf way too long. Fortunately, organic availability is increasing, and this would mean more selection and shorter shopping times. Local produce from the farmers’ market is always fresh.
Due to the above two reasons, my family has adopted a preferential purchasing policy that allows us whenever possible to choose organic products. We do so because we believe organic is healthier and therefore should be promoted more in our community. We do not use pesticides in our garden as they are too pricey, are dangerous to store and a health hazard to use, and most importantly kill beneficial species and help create super weeds. We save our own seed, an activity that would not be permissible if it was genetically modified.
Why can’t local politicians implement a preferential purchasing policy within their jurisdiction that addresses the health and economical concerns of all their constituents like ours does?
Royann Petrell
Courtenay
