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Local Voices
Growing fresh, local produce and free range chickens in Wyckoff for four generations.

Are You A Locavore?

Food lovers across America have started a local food revolution. The "Locavore" movement has been embraced by millions from California to New York, with more joining up every day

So what is a "locavore" and how can you become one? 

Simply put, a locavore is "anyone who seeks out and savors food grown, raised or produced close to home," explains Amy Cotler, author of The Locavore Way: Discover and Enjoy the Pleasures of Locally Grown Food. 

"For the local food maven, the word 'local' means as close to home (or wherever you are) as possible. And the closer the better," she adds, noting that "on average, your food travels at least 1,500 miles from farm to table."

Furthermore, the majority of food consumed in American come from Factory Farms and Concentrated Animal Feed Operations (CAFO), which neccesitates the widespred use of antibiotics. An estimated 99% of chickens served in America come from CAFO's, reports David Kirby, author of Animal Factory: The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment. 

In addition, produce grown locally is fresher, tastes better and has greater nutritional value.

Ready to get started? It's easy! All you need to do is start shopping for food at local farms and markets. 

There are upwards of 5,000 farmers markets across the country that keep an estimated 30,000 small farms in business each year. To find a local farm near you, visit Local Harvest's website

For more information about becoming a locavore, visit www.abmasfarm.com. Abma's Farm is Bergen County's only produce, poultry and pork farm. Family owned an operated since 1930. 

Marcia Ringel

3:06 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

We have enjoyed Abma's wonderful produce, poultry, and eggs for four decades and wonderful soups, salads, baked goods, and other prepared foods since they became available over the years. The little ones love the (free) farm animal zoo and feeding carrot tops (bought inside, attached to carrots) to bunnies in the hutches next to the parking lot. Shopping in the old barn and putting food in the car to the sound of moos, baas, and rooster crows is a far cry from going to any supermarket. The apples are almost gone but it's nearly strawberry time.

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Jeffrey DelVecchio

7:36 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

This is another reason why many communities, other than New Milford, are embracing the backyard chicken movement. You can't get more local than your own backyard. It sounds like I will have to visit Abma's for some local pork.

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