Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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1
Organic Farming and Geography
[First Page]
[1],
(1)
If we would divert to constructive research even a small fraction of the money spent
each year on the development of ever more toxic sprays, we could find ways to use less
dangerous materials and to keep poisons out of our waterways. When will the public
be
come sufficiently aware of the facts to demand such action?
- Ra
chel Carson,
Silent Spring
(1962)
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Geography
is
geo
(earth) and
graphy
(to describe). This is a
“geography” of organic farming because geography can
best explain our complexworld. Throughwords and graph-
ics, geography can map the interrelated factors - both social
(policy, culture, and economics) and ecological (climate, soil,
water, and vegetation) - that influence our relationship to the
earth. Specifically, a holistic approach is required in order to
understand how organic farming is an integrated system of producing food
and sustaining farm families. Furthermore, geography recognizes the many
factors that make a
place
. And place matters. People are linked to the en-
vironment through their surroundings, at the local and regional levels and
through our shared global environment. So our actions and decisions are
related to place.
The geography of organic farming is evolving into a colorful patchwork
of diverse farms across the United States. Regional variations can be seen:
the eastern states, which generally tend to have more small-scale vegetable
producers with local markets; the subtropical South, which has the appro-
priate climate for organic citrus production; theMidwest, which draws from
its history of mixed livestock/grain operations; the plains, which have the
space for organic grain production; andCalifornia,which has the experience
and natural history to become a leader in marketing organic produce across
the country. Although specific local conditions also come into play, these
[1],
(1)
