Buying Local: Nothing Fringe about It

Buying local is becoming ever more widely known. Described as a “protectionist reflex” by some, or “responsible consumption” by others, it’s attracting more and more attention. It does satisfy a lot of interests, whether you’re a buyer or a seller. Food remains one area where it’s the most obvious, or at least the most documented. Still, buying local is not limited solely to this sector. It may have been become more popular among consumers over the last ten years, but its growth is not infinite. Production capacity and international trade agreements are but two of the many limits restricting its expansion. Does this mean that the idea of buying local has no more room to grow? It may be too early to say for sure, especially since its full extent is not yet wholly understood.