Iceland's volcano stranded millions of flyers around the world. But it also kept exotic fruits, vegetables and produce imported from the other side of the globe out of our markets.

It's a tragedy for the farmers growing it all, and particularly those in countries like Kenya that depend heavily on their fresh flower exports. But the disaster showed us that we've become so globally dependent we're not really ready with a plan to keep us in food should a disaster strike long term.

It would be a shame if we learned nothing from the ash fall-out of this far away volcano once it disperses. And I don't mean we should rush out and stock pile dried goods. I mean we should take a closer look at where our food comes from. You've heard this before. But in the context of a potential disaster, supporting local suppliers means that if we come under attack from an act of nature or an act of man, we should be more able to keep feeding ourselves. It adds a new dimension to the message of 'eat local'.