Since not all gardeners will produce every single thing that they eat, an “eating locally” mentality also helps to strengthen the network of responsible, small to medium-scale producers in the area.  Society's increasing dependence on industrial agriculture (and its processed foods) has made it quite difficult for local farmers to compete.  Thus a preference for local goods necessitates the rise of local commerce, thereby improving living standards of those families directly involved.  Additionally, local economies help eliminate societal ills by strengthening a community's social fabric through mutual trust and inter-dependence.

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