The Oil Drum

146 comments on Conservation in the food chain

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westexas on March 27, 2006 - 9:14am

U.S. about to become net food importer
Posted by Ken Meter at 8:23 AM on 10 Feb 2006
http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2006/2/9/211544/4045

The author has some good statistics. Among them is that California is already a net food importer. Currently it is cheaper to buy an artichoke from South American than one grown locally in California. Of course, as energy prices go up, I'm sure that will change.

As I have previously said, I think that one of the best long term investments that we can make is to invest in organic farming--if nothing else, by leasing out the land to an organic farmer. Short term, the ROI will be poor, but the point is to secure a long term supply of food. It's a win/win proposition: you can make money off Peak Oil while making a positive impact on the community (and perhaps providing a job for your unemployed college graduate).

Another positive move is to sign up for a local food coop program, whereby a group of people make monthly payments to farmers, in exchange for weekly deliveries of produce during the growing season.

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Leanan on March 27, 2006 - 9:37am

Also, consider joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Google CSA and the name of your community, and see if there's a program near you. Typically, the way these work is members pay a fee, work on the farm a certain number of hours, or both. They will usually make allowances if you can't afford the fee or are disabled and can't work in the fields. In exchange, you get a share of the fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs produced by the farm. You go pick it up; often, it's pick-your-own.

It's a good way to learn farming, if you want to learn but don't have your own land yet. Also, the surplus goes to local food pantries, so you can help the community while helping yourself.

I found there is one in walking distance of my home, at a local college.

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Charles on March 27, 2006 - 5:49pm

http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

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vermont on March 27, 2006 - 3:55pm

For those who are interested in becoming more proficient gardeners (or perhaps, learning the 1st thing about gardening), many states in the US have a Master Gardener Certification program. The program generally includes about a semester of book learnin' and several hours (40 in Vermont) of community service (farm work, community garden work, tending gardening hot lines, etc.). Typically it's offered via a University extension program.