Kelsey has some nice thoughts on what it would mean to actually try to buy locally:
Globalization seems to favor our desert city sticking to high technology at discount rates, with low land costs and lots of intellectual capital. Farming is mostly done elsewhere already, and the city is supported by the Labs, the Base, and Intel. Agriculture’s place in a truly global economy is uncertain, but I can almost guarantee that it isn’t in Albuquerque. Not when Albuquerque water has a much higher value sustaining the city as is.
I agree for short time scales. Our growing season on the Front Range is such that buying local doesn’t have a chance. Food miles is a better indicator, IMO.
Nonetheless, when fossil fuel becomes scarce and we must choose from which sector to eliminate oil (food, transportation or material [nylon, polypropylene]), we will have to make food choices regardless and locally grown food will likely become a necessity.
We will have to learn how to supplement part of our diet with locally grown food in a Plateau Oil world (if we have a soft landing). Now you know my business consulting idea for when I’m semiretired and the wife won’t want me around the house.
Best,
D