I saw this article in the Opinion section of the Boston Globe. It describes the possiblity of increase of local food. The writer uses his knowledge of New England's history to set a realistic plan for future agriculture. Here is the link to the article and some excerps:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/08/26/the_promise_and_limits_of_local_food/
"Today New England’s population approaches 15 million, while only 7 percent of our land remains in agriculture. To come even close to feeding ourselves we would have to cut down a large part of our recovered forest - not something we want to repeat. But there are still good reasons to move toward more local food production. We need to determine which crops to grow here. What were we growing a century ago, when New England was already an urban, industrial society?"
"We need a targeted expansion in local production of foods that really belong in New England, tied to reforms throughout our global agricultural system - and certainly, some reduction of meat in our diets. This would bless us with healthier food, an attractive landscape, and opportunities for people to become more engaged with how their food is grown. Yes, we can shrink our carbon footprint, too, if we farm with that in mind. But in the end those connections, not some chimera of local self-sufficiency, are the real benefits of local farming."
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good article and I feel that would really benefit us as a state overall. With this growing population these ideas are terrific
ReplyDeleteLocal food production is a great idea, and has so many benefits. Not only is the food healthier, growing food closer to home is much better for the environment. I think it is very important for more people to buy locally grown food, and work towards more of its production.
ReplyDeleteI think there are some great ideas written in this article. I particularly like the idea of cutting down meat in diets. With this, people will want to learn how to grow their own vegetables and fruits. Also, by growing these, it will help bring food increase to an already growing world and hopefully decrease American hunger.
ReplyDelete-Alan Nahigian
I like the idea of people becoming engaged in how their food is grown. Last year, my school sent us to The Farm School which is a farm in Athol. The Farm School allows kids to see what it is like being a farmer through first-hand experience. While I was there, we cut bracken back, worked in the garden, milked and washed cows, and made our own food. Most of the food we ate was grown and prepared right on the farm. It was a great chance for us to learn more about how much work goes into the food we eat. The Farm School also has a program for adults. I think it would be great if there were more places like the Farm School so more people could have an opportunity to take part this a fun and educational experience.
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