Is It Worth It? We Should Hope So

My wife, Staci and I have been making what we call "our little food films" for the last five years. We post these films on our web log www.thepeoplewhofeedus.com. Our mission is simple: to tell the stories of the women and men who work terribly hard to supply all of us with good food.

In our travels, talking with various producers, we hear some fundamental themes.

Without exception the people we have filmed talk about being stewards of the land. They have an almost religious fervor about leaving their soil better than they found it. Even when it's against their short term economic best interests these folks are doing the very best they can to grow good food that's economically viable.

Another common idea that comes up in our conversations is that these growers, animal raisers and fishmongers are a small bulwark against the ever-rising tide of monocrops, corporate farming and the fast food nation. A small, local farmer with six acres of land growing lettuce mixes is no match for laser-leveled fields with awesomely mechanical harvesting and a complete food supply chain from Portland, Maine to Sausalito, California.

But the comments that are most distressing are the ones we hear over and again: these hard working people convey something like, "I just don't know if it's worth it." Astronomical fuel costs, high land taxes and competition from big box organics are conspiring to force some to quit farming. Others, as they find their situations becoming more and more dire, all too often throw up their hands in frustration. Remember, these are people that don't have "quit" in their vocabulary.

Mike Yezzi raises rare heritage pigs neat Shushan, New York. You can watch his story here:

Along with his wife, Jen Small, Yezzi sells at New York City Greenmarkets and to a select group of Manhattan restaurants. Even this success has him wondering, 'what's next, is it worth it'? That's the huge question hanging over anyone who eats.

Fresh local food, grown with good intention and careful attention will nourish you and your family in ways that big agribusiness never will.

It is important for all of us to do what we can to nurture a return of the small family farm. So, take the time to seek out a local farmer, cheese maker or fishmonger and buy from them whenever you can. Frequent your nearest farmers' market. Buy local food because it tastes better and because it is worth it.

Comments

[jcboston]

welcome to HuffPost

[stevesrant]

We're fortunate to have a local supermarket that buys and sells local meat,dairy and produce whenever possible. Your post reminded me of the sad 'joke' about the farmer who won the lottery and, when asked what he would do with the money replied, "Oh, I'll probably keep farming till it's gone."

[vtfarmer649]

Well said. We would do well to support our local food producers - before they are gone! Healthy soils are this country's greatest natural resource.