Agriculture

I am not a farmer, though I have friends that farm. So I don't pretend to understand the business end of farming. What I do know is that our food chain has been irreparably altered over the last decade. Whether you "believe in" global warming or not, changes in our atmosphere have led to larger and more violent storms, drought, flooding, and a host of other issues which have changed temperatures on both land and in the sea. Warm "blobs" spreading through the Pacific Ocean may turn out to be one of the causes, along with over fishing, of the collapse of the sardine and anchovy populations. Droughts are causing difficulty in growing water heavy crops such as avocados. Beef supplies are expected to decline by over a billion pounds this year. That is on top of last year's decline. Avian flu is decimating poultry flocks in 12 states as you read this. The world is losing one food species every 6 minutes right now. And let us not forget the colony collapse disaster facing our pollinators.

All of this indicates that food, along with clean water, will become priorities for all communities over the next decade. Vermont is uniquely situated to provide for her people, but only if we act with clear intent as we craft laws that define and make profitable the agricultural industry in Vermont. We can create an agri"culture" in Vermont by making the industry a priority in planning and funding. Giant factory farms will not increase tourism, as smaller family farms could. Factory farms are not focused on the people of Vermont, as family farms are, they are focused on profit and their goods most often leave the state. A strong farming community will be vital to Vermont's future both as a secure food source for our population and as a draw to tourists. Along with deliberate, thoughtful action developing Vermont as a destination, agriculture is one of our most valuable resources.

Supporting a strong farming community should be a priority for the state. Legislators, farmers, and citizens should be invited to develop plans detailing a vision for the future of Vermont agriculture in light of the now present food security issues developing around the globe, mindful of Vermont's tourist industry and the balance required to maintain both.

Vermont has a small population. Small enough that we should be able to come together and plan our own future. We can, and should, feed ourselves. If we can grow 75% of the average Vermonters diet, then we should and we should encourage Vermonters to buy that local food. We should serve it in our schools, hospitals, prisons, and government offices. There are many ways to accomplish such a goal. Let's explore them. Let's not hand control of our resources over to those who are selling their influence and selling us out.