I just saw a video on YouTube that I found to be somewhat discouraging, yet motivating at the same time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I-8jIn1UZ0
This video is from San Juan Island in Washington. The average farmer is 57 as of 2007, and the number is rising steadily. The problem is that fewer members of my generation are interested in Agriculture. The youth don't care enough about food, and the future of it. If agriculture was encouraged, instead of stigmatized, we might have more potential farmers.
It's time for the youth to care about farming, and about where food comes from. Too many people are uninformed about the control that multinational corporations have on our plates. People need to make conscious choices about their meals.
I just read a very well written essay on Sterling College's Blog, The Common Voice. It's all about the political and philosophical aspects of food.
http://voice.sterlingcollege.edu/post/2610332671/nutrition-essay-my-food-philosophy
Recently a major farm in Craftsbury burned to the ground, and an entire harvest was lost. The support from the local and regional community has been breathtaking - people really care about the farm, and are doing everything they can to help the farmer get back on his feet.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that farming is not as popular among the youth as it could be, but a devoted farmer can rally a tremendous amount of community support.
Keep writing, Ariel.
-tim