Locally produced agricultural products reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation, act as a hedge against lower crop yields, due to higher temperatures, and shortages due to supply chain disruption. Locally sourced produce is believed to be healthier than imported varieties.
A community based agricultural co-op comprises individuals, preferably with complementary skills and assets, who join together to produce, as much as they can, the agricultural products and dry goods that they require.
Higher yields are made possible by the economies of scale that result from specialization and the adoption of 3D Precision Irrigation.™ Individual co-op members, growing at home, will only grow, in most cases, one type of plant, the one that is most compatible with their environment.
Members don't have to posses any gardening skills, thanks to Expert Controllers,™ or endure the drudgery of weeding, thanks to low weed/no weed planting techniques such as Intensive Agriculture. If necessary, other co-op members can help with the planting, fertilizing, and harvesting of crops.
Co-op and community members may provide copies of their recipes, menus, and meal schedules (to other co-op members, local community gardens, local farms, the agricultural base, and traditional supply chains), for the purpose of planning what is to be grown and where. Once crops are harvested and ready for distribution, the produce will be made available to participants, as scheduled (perhaps daily), from the nearest source; this will help to reduce the amount of food that gets wasted, as well as, the plastic and electricity used for storage.
Resources and distribution networks should also be allocated and maintained for locally produced and imported medicinal herbs.