http://localfoods.umn.edu/college
I think the local food movement is great. I am appreciative that consumers want to know what they're eating, and how it's produced. My concern is the sources that many consumers are looking to for information. The internet can make idiots out of the smartest people if they are not careful about checking sources.
I know I live in a rural area, surrounded by farmers, but I find it hard to believe that consumers have NO connection to a farmer. There has to be someone they can call up and ask questions when something sounds fishy. My blood pressure rose this Thanksgiving when I saw turkeys labeled "Hormone free." All turkeys are hormone free! Hormones are not use by turkey farmers. Calling a turkey "hormone free" is like labeling water "Now with hydrogen and oxygen." It's a marketing ploy, and not a legitimate health concern.
So find a farmer. Ask questions. Attend some webinars by the University of Minnesota. And enjoy your food. We've never had food this safe, healthy and abundant, and it doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of hard work by farmers, unseen by almost every consumer.