Up to Discussions in Ag. Economics
4 Replies Last post: Jun 27, 2008 6:35 PM by jfritsch  
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kturner
5 posts since
Oct 3, 2007

May 20, 2008 10:54 AM

The Return of Traditional Agriculture

With recent economic situations, I believe there will be a need and market for the ways of traditional agriculture. What is meant by this term, you may ask? Well simply put more individuals will create gardens or invest in livestock to help them sustain. What are your thoughts about the return of traditional agriculture, where many homeowners raise thier own food?
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smithl
54 posts since
Nov 7, 2007
1. May 20, 2008 11:42 AM in response to: kturner
Re: The Return of Traditional Agriculture
If it's not people growing their own food, it will be the dependence on more locally produced food. Farmer's markets will flourish.
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kturner
5 posts since
Oct 3, 2007
2. May 20, 2008 4:01 PM in response to: smithl
Re: The Return of Traditional Agriculture
I truly agree, the school system I work for is constructing an organic market and they have had many, many inquiries from the surrounding communities regarding how soon it will open. I was inspired by a segment on Nightline last Thursday evening which featured a family who has created a situation of being self sufficient. I think more individuals will start to rely more on local economies than the retail and global markets.
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Leatherneck
2 posts since
Jun 25, 2008
3. Jun 27, 2008 10:45 AM in response to: kturner
Re: The Return of Traditional Agriculture
I think you are 100% correct. In my opinion it stems from the fact that average Americans have the belief that locally grown or homegrown is "safer" and "more nutritious." As for myself, I like to raise my own meat and veggies for several reasons; #1 I enjoy the work/hobby aspect of it. #2 I feel that I produce a higher quality end product than what I can buy in the store. #3 I enjoy being independent of others and providing for myself.
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jfritsch
40 posts since
Oct 2, 2007
4. Jun 27, 2008 6:35 PM in response to: kturner
Re: The Return of Traditional Agriculture

I agree with you, Karla. I think we will continue to see more and more people beginning to grow at least a portion of their own food, for a variety of reasons -- concern for the environment, the ability to control the amount and types of chemicals that go on their food, and for economic reasons -- food is getting expensive, and it's going to keep going up! I can remember when my mom stopped canning much because she said that it was just cheaper to go to the grocery store and buy cans of veggies. I think the pendulum is beginning to swing in the other direction.

There is a growing movement out there called the slow food movement that has people really thinking about how far their food comes from farm to plate (in some cases it can be thousands of miles), and making an effort to support local agriculture. The University of Kentucky, where we are based, has even started a Sustainable Ag. major.

I read a very interesting book about a year ago, called Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver. It chronicles her family's life for one year, as they attempt to live only on food that is produced within 100 miles of their home. Very interesting read -- informative, and inspiring. I would recommend it for anyone who is interested in this topic, and have even known some people who have incorporated it into lessons.

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