Choosing local food is not only important for our health, but also for the environment and the development of the local economy.
Food that is produced close to home usually travels a shorter distance from field to plate, which means less energy is used for transport and fewer greenhouse gas emissions are generated.
Many of the foods we buy in stores travel thousands of kilometers before reaching us. Such transport results in higher fuel consumption, more packaging, and a greater environmental burden. By choosing local produce, we can reduce our impact on the climate while supporting people in our own community.
Why choose local?
Locally produced food offers many advantages:
- shorter transport routes mean less environmental impact,
- food is often fresher and seasonal,
- we support local farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs,
- we preserve traditional recipes and production methods,
- we contribute to the development of the local community.
It is important to be aware of where our food comes from and to choose more sustainable options—such as visiting local markets or growing food in our own gardens.
Additional facts: why local truly matters
Research shows that food travels on average between 1,500 and 3,000 kilometers before reaching the consumer. Transport therefore represents a significant share of the carbon footprint of the food system.
By choosing locally produced food, we can:
reduce the carbon footprint of individual food items by 5–17%, depending on the type of food and mode of transport,
for imported fruits and vegetables transported by air, emissions can be reduced by up to 80–90% when choosing local and seasonal alternatives,
reduce the need for long-term refrigeration, storage, and packaging, which further lowers energy consumption.
In addition to transport, production methods also play an important role—local producers often use less intensive and more sustainable practices, further reducing environmental impact.
Brežice Selection – supporting local creators
In Brežice, local products can also be recognized by the KBZ Brežice Izbrano certificate, which connects providers of high-quality local produce, food products, and handicrafts. The brand brings together numerous local providers and represents an important story of quality and collaboration within the Brežice destination.
The collective brand was established with the aim of connecting local producers, restaurateurs, and creators, as well as promoting local heritage and knowledge. Today, it includes dozens of providers and many certified products that reflect the tradition and creativity of the area.
Products labeled Brežice Selection can also be purchased at the Brežice Tourist Information Centre (TIC), where local delicacies, beverages, handicrafts, and gifts are available. Such purchases support local creators in their entrepreneurial journey and contribute to the development of a sustainable destination.
Why is it important to support local?
Supporting local providers is not only important from an environmental perspective, but also has broader social and economic benefits:
More money stays within the local community – local providers reinvest most of their income back into the area,
- we preserve jobs – supporting farmers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs,
- we strengthen food security – local self-sufficiency reduces dependence on global supply chains,
- we preserve landscapes and traditions – cultivated fields, vineyards, and orchards are part of the region’s identity,
- we build community – direct contact with producers strengthens trust and connection.
According to some estimates, every euro spent with a local provider can generate up to 2 to 3 times greater impact in the local economy compared to spending at large international retailers.
Small choices, big impact
By choosing local food, each individual can contribute to a more sustainable way of living:
- visit local markets,
- choose seasonal fruits and vegetables,
- support local farms,
- buy products from local providers,
- try growing at least some food at home.
With these choices, we reduce the environmental impact of transport, preserve local traditions, and help create a more sustainable future.
