Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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Local Organic Food Systems
G
eographically, the idea of a “foodshed” is intriguing (Kloppenburg et al.
19
96). Like a watershed, within which all water flows to a common stream, a
fo
odshed is an integrated local systemwithin which the activities of farmers
an
d consumers flow in unison. That is, food miles are reduced and profits
st
ay within the local area; environmental stewardship is everyone's concern
an
d consumers are willing to pay the true cost of food production.
Local food systems may be an “appropriate way to revitalize a commu-
ni
ty” (Feenstra 1997, 28) and can be initiated by consumer advocacy. There
ar
e many grassroots efforts currently in place that promote local food and
co
mmunities (Henderson 2000). Food production and markets are based
on
local environment and health goals. Key issues include learning how
to
eat seasonally (in most places you cannot expect fresh peaches in Jan-
ua
ry!) and assessing what consumers know about and demand from local
fo
od. Many creative community food systemprojects are currently in action
ac
ross the country. Several steps are important in the initiation of such a
pr
oject. First, learn about your local food system: gather historical infor-
m
ation on agriculture in the region, estimate your area's food self-reliance
po
tential, and identify local seasonal food sources. All these activities must
be
tailored to a given geographical location and should include public par-
tic
ipation, new partnerships, and a commitment to social, economic, and
en
vironmental justice concepts (Feenstra 2002). A wide array of people and
gr
oups - agricultural, environmental, religious, and charity groups could
pr
ovide a promising network. Success is more likely to be achieved with
br
oad participation.
Research linking rural development and organic farming suggests that
th
ere are inherent values within the organic movement that could act to
en
courage local food networks and local community involvement. Pugliese
(2
001) notes that organic agriculture and sustainable development in rural
ar
eas can be linked through innovation, conservation, participation, and in-
te
gration. These four stepping-stones are necessary for rural development,
an
d organic farming can successfully combine them within an appropriate
social context. Innovation is related no longer to technology but to an atti-
tude that combines creativity and risk. Conservation of rural resources can
be achieved by combiningmodern techniques within a traditional context of
organic farms. Participation of both producers and consumers occurs when
farmers have a pro-active attitude and pride in their farms. Yet integration of
social and ecological factors in rural areas can be promoted through organic
farming that acts to reorganize agriculture and diversify rural economies.
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