Why You Should Buy Local: The $1B Market Gap No One’s Talking About

Episode Summary:

Farm-to-fork sustainability and quality food sourcing are revolutionizing local food systems through direct farmer relationships and consumer education. In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams chats with Tony Ellsworth, founder of Ellsworth Crossing, about his personal journey to better health and how it inspired him to build a faith-based, veteran-owned business centered on honest food sourcing and close farmer partnerships in Nebraska.

Tony shares how he learned to look beyond labels and marketing claims to truly understand what makes food high quality. He talks about why personal relationships with local farmers matter: how they help ensure humane practices, consistent standards, and food people can trust.

Lydia and Tony also dive into what sets small farms apart from large corporate operations, touching on soil health, animal care, and how food is processed. Tony explains how his team stays compliant with regulations while continuing to support local producers and keep quality front and center.

They discuss the importance of teaching consumers how to read labels and make informed choices. Tony also reflects on how he keeps his business growing without losing the strong farmer relationships that define his brand. Throughout the conversation, Tony connects food quality with long-term health, showing how local sourcing helps improve flavor, reduce food safety risks, and strengthen communities.