Several years ago I became interested in the food system, and as any good geek does, I became engrossed in the subject matter. However, the more I learned, the more upsetting the picture that emerged. Health epidemics, environmental degradation, governmental corruption and corporate greed, and the list goes on, unfortunately. A massive amount of books, articles, and documentaries have highlighted various aspects regarding the brokenness of our current food system, building a body of data that proves the need to produce and consume clean, whole foods free of chemicals. I will not regurgitate facts and numbers right now, as I feel it is time to move beyond the problems and engage in solutions. However, educating yourself on the origins of your food by knowing your farmers will undoubtedly empower you to take back control over what you eat, which has far reaching impact beyond just the health of your own body.
Knowing your farmer is all about building relationships. Going to your local farmers market and buying from local producers is the best place to start, and I would encourage you to go a step further and ask to visit their farms. You can learn about their food production practices: how they tend to their soil, their plants, and their animals. This transparency and openness is unfortunately the exact opposite of what the big food corporations are about, which is why getting to know the ‘who’ and the ‘how’ of food production is so important these days.
When you connect with local producers and begin buying more of what you eat from them you gain access to fresher, tastier, and more nutrient dense food. Additionally, since the food is not being transported long distances, less energy is required getting it to your plate. Buying from local producers also strengthens the local economy, and builds resilience into the community in which you live.
For me personally, the journey started in this way. I began frequenting farmers markets, then buying weekly shares from a local organic farmer’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), and looking for locally produced organic products at the grocery store. Eventually, I decided to become a food producer myself. Now, here at ABC acres, we have had farm tours and events to let people see our farm and how we steward it. We emphasize transparency of our practices and processes so they can know exactly where the food was produced, how it was produced, and who produced it. Ah, the resolution of coming full circle!
What has become even more rewarding is helping to educate others in regenerative food production methods. Our most recent hire is a young man named Andy, and we first met him as a visitor on one of our farm tours. Andy simply wanted to gain a deeper connection and appreciation with food production and resource management, and now he is getting paid to learn how to do it. You never know, visiting a local farm may lead to a new career path!
With rising demand to locally produced organic foods, there is no better time to consider and pursue becoming a farmer, or producer of value added local foods. As more of us are awakened to the current state of the food system at large, and obtain the will to make changes, there will be ever-increasing markets for people willing to take on the task of creating places of abundance, health, and beauty. This will lead to healthier bodies and a healthier world. Of course, not all can or should be farmers, but when we vote with our dollars through purchasing food, we are voting for the kind of world we want to help be a part of and perpetuate.
Blessings,
Grant
