The Future of Food

     Last night I did something that Ididn't want to do.  I started watching a video called "The Future of Food".  I didn't want to watch it because I guessed that it would be full of disheartening information.  It is much easier to think less about our food supply.  After all, we enjoy an abundance of inexpensive food that is always available.  What could be wrong with that? 

      Everything seems fine until we start asking questions.  The first question that someone might ask is, "Where does this food come from?"  You might then discover that almost all of our garlic is grown in China.  China?  Well then, can I trust the source?  Do I want to support a food system in which I have to depend on growers across the country and world?  Who is doing the work?  Who makes the profit?  What sprays or preservatives are applied to the food?  Why is this particular variety being grown?  If you purchase a processed food, you might start to ask, "What are the ingredients?"  The answers to these questions are sometimes troubling and often difficult to discover.  Yes, it much easier to just buy the cheap meat, milk, soda, and lettuce from the shelf and go about your business.

     I did not start farming to challenge "big food" or to criticize conventional agriculture; although I knew that I fit in easily with those who did.  I farm because I love growing and eating fresh food and I find satisfaction in helping other people do the same.  However, as I learn more about the way that our food system works, I feel disheartened and upset at the same time.  I disagree with the ability of corporations like Monsanto to patent seeds.  I'm suspicious of the influence that seed and chemical companies wield.  I too wonder about the future of food and I hope to join others in creating a more hopeful future for our food supply.