American farmers are caught in awkward and challenging disruptions: labor shortages; higher operating costs that require additional loans; tariffs; erratic and extreme weather; cuts in disaster aid; policies that favor corporate farms; and an expiring 2018 Farm Bill.
The US Dept. of Agriculture had 15,000 employees furloughed, and USDA programs have been frozen.
Family farmers are those who prefer to live among crops, wildlife, wildflowers and open skies. They raise food and animals with personalities; their hands get dirty and calloused every day. No summer holidays, but loads of mockery from those who see profit in selling us food out of nozzles.
Will we swallow it that when rural land is owned by a corporation that (Who!) hawks discounted July food in a plastic wrap on a store shelf, price is a fair trade for flavor and nourishment?
We need food and water, and we have a crush on healthy food and speckless water. Support farmers and farmers’ markets in Eureka Springs, Berryville and Green Forest. And wherever you see one.
Kale yeah!