Building a model for the world
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A box of just-picked tomatoes at a central Vermont farm is ready for market. Vermont has long been recognized as being ahead of the curve on agricultural issues. Per capita, we have more farmers markets, organic farms and CSAs than almost anywhere else in the world. FILE PHOTO BY JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR |
Toolbox
By TOM STEARNS - Published: November 1, 2009
n a worldwide scale, agriculture is one of the largest consumers of energy, water and land. It is also the biggest polluter and the largest contributor to climate change. And depending on what we eat, it can be the largest factor to our health.
Because resource scarcity — food, water, fuel — is at the root of many of the world's security concerns and resulting violence, agriculture can be the key to solving the challenges we face globally and locally.
Food is a window through which we can approach how to be better stewards of our home and our communities.
Good models of healthy food systems are scarce. Broken food systems surround us. Food trucked 3,000 miles is often cheaper than food grown locally; we no longer eat by the seasons; the best farmland is developed; farms need to be so big to survive economically that they are often not ecologically sound. Simultaneously, we have populations that are either overweight or malnourished. We are also in the midst of a huge health problem as more than 50 percent of us are likely to die from a diet-related illness such as diabetes or heart disease. Our food system is not serving the health of our planet or our health; it is destroying both.
Vermont has long been recognized as being ahead of the curve on agricultural issues. Per capita, we have more farmers markets, organic farms and CSAs than almost anywhere else in the world. And although it needs expansion, we have a decent food processing infrastructure (canneries, slaughterhouses, etc.) that is necessary to feed ourselves and our region year-round.
It is clear that Vermont can play a critical role in the rebuilding of our nation's food systems. New farms and organizations are collaborating with existing farms and organizations to rebuild Vermont's food system. The barriers to our success are disappearing as more of us build farms, start gardens, and launch food- and agriculture-based businesses. In fact, we are 30 years ahead of most other places in the United States, which gives Vermont a wonderful opportunity to be a leader.
Although we are achieving changes here that are much harder in a region with mega-farms or mega-cities, our locally based food production efforts can inspire others and be modified to work in other regions. We already see this happening.
Vermont is like that fresh, delicious tomato that stops you in your tracks. You think "I must have never had a real tomato before; I had no idea what I was missing. How can I ever eat another cardboard and flavorless tomato?" This country does not know what is missing because by and large it has never experienced a real, healthy food system. Vermont is the real tomato!
As groups gather around the world to discuss these issues, their eyes are on Vermont. Our emerging way of producing food creates healthy people as it creates healthy soil; and creates healthy jobs as it creates healthy communities and a healthy economy. In so doing, we will have created a comprehensive, healthy food system for Vermont.
People from across the world visit our state to learn from innovative farmers, business owners, organizations and community groups and they leave with many ideas for action in their own communities.
Our time as a healthy food system leader has come and we should not be shy about sharing our successes and challenges. The world needs leaders of all kinds, and because of the significance of how we grow and eat food, our leadership can change the world for the better.
This is a call for all Vermonters, every farmer and every eater, to join in this effort and find his or her role and place. Support each other, donate to farming organizations, shop at your farmers' markets, grow your own food, and share with anyone in need.
Your role in all of this is key — never doubt that a small state can change the world. Becoming part of this solution may just be the most exciting thing you've ever done. And you'll get to eat some great tomatoes along the way.
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