This is in response to those who wrote letters about agriculture. I would like to thank Matthew Baran for his letter supporting agriculture. Many people do not realize the impact agriculture has on the economy.

As for Bonita Bealer, it is true that produce is much healthier than "convenience" food. Yes, farmers do use pesticides and chemicals — to prevent diseases and insects from wiping out the crop. What little money farmers make in the summer and fall by selling their produce is what they have to live on for the rest of the year.

If their crop were wiped out, those farmers would have almost nothing to live on for the rest of the year. Most of the money they make is usually used on seeds, fertilizer, etc., which are needed for the upcoming planting and growing seasons. We need to support the local farmers. Did you know that one United States farm worker supplies food to 140-150 persons worldwide?

Farmers are the ones who keep us fed, yet they get the crappy end of the deal. Their lives depend on the weather and they make very little money. One thing about grocery store produce — it doesn't keep as long as that bought fresh from a local farmer.

This is because of improper storage. At least you know where it came from when you buy it off of the local farmer.

Fresh is definitely better!