A Glimpse of Why We Buy Local

Haiti, the ‘Pearl of the Antilles,’ was once known for its natural beauty and abundant agricultural capacity. Though Haiti’s land and her producers have suffered significantly as a result of mistreatment and exploitation, Haiti’s national agriculture has incredible potential. Kore Pwodiksyon Lokal: Buy Local Haiti aims to assist in the renewal of Haiti’s land, in the revival of her producers, and in the education of Haiti’s Northern neighbours so that we can work together to contribute to sustained positive development in Haiti.
Imported products harm Haitian producers and increase dependency on foreign products and aid. Often, imported products are subsidized by their local governments and are therefore sold in Haitian markets for the fraction of the price of Haitian products. For example, in Port-au-Prince, imported rice from the United States sells for about $3.40/ 12 cups, where as the same amount of Haitian Yellow Rice is sold for $5.50. When local products are forced to compete with subsidized imports the livelihoods of farmers and small businessmen in Haiti are threatened. As farmers face a diminishing market for Haitian products, they are pressured to leave their gardens and seek alternative employment in urban centers. This rural-urban migration contributes to overpopulation in Port-au-Prince, high unemployment rates and tensions within the population.
When we in Haiti chose to consume what is produced locally we empower Haitian producers and boost the Haitian economy. The New Economics Foundation in London found that a gourde “spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy” (FTD, 2006). In addition, the support of Haitian farmers will serve to challenge the current patterns of dependency and will contribute to a more self-sustaining Haiti. Environmentally, eating locally produced foods decreases pollution, carbon emissions, traffic, and food is less susceptible to contamination.