http://honestfarm.org/2006/10/16/the-problem-with-industrial-vegetables/ Good Eating Close To Home Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:11:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 http://honestfarm.org/2006/10/16/the-problem-with-industrial-vegetables/#comment-163524 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:15:40 +0000 http://honestfarm.org/2006/10/16/the-problem-with-industrial-vegetables/#comment-163524 I agree that we are vulnerable with our food supply. I lived overseas, in a developing nation, and most people there grew most or all of their own food locally. They raised a few goats, a pig, and poultry. But here, in the suburbs of New Jersey, the zoning laws say, in effect, that we could have a boa constrictor in our house, but not ONE hen in our backyard! No farm animals allowed! So, as a society we are making our urban and suburban populations (1) dependent on industrial/largescale farming [to feed such large numbers of people], (2) ignorant and unskilled in production and harvest of any natural foods, and (3) largely unaware of current agricultural practices and weaknesses, and (4) consuming inferior food, rather than producing superior food. If we all would grow SOMETHING, plant a few fruit trees, raise 4-5 hens, have a family goat, I don't think our quality of life would deteriorate, or our suburbs turn into stinky, unsafe places. Rather, I believe that small-plot "farming" in and near the suburbs is the only way to ensure our food supply is safer and better than it currently is. And, yes, we ARE vulnerable to terrorism in this arena. Please continue to get the word out. Thanks for farming. I agree that we are vulnerable with our food supply. I lived overseas, in a developing nation, and most people there grew most or all of their own food locally. They raised a few goats, a pig, and poultry. But here, in the suburbs of New Jersey, the zoning laws say, in effect, that we could have a boa constrictor in our house, but not ONE hen in our backyard! No farm animals allowed! So, as a society we are making our urban and suburban populations (1) dependent on industrial/largescale farming [to feed such large numbers of people], (2) ignorant and unskilled in production and harvest of any natural foods, and (3) largely unaware of current agricultural practices and weaknesses, and (4) consuming inferior food, rather than producing superior food. If we all would grow SOMETHING, plant a few fruit trees, raise 4-5 hens, have a family goat, I don’t think our quality of life would deteriorate, or our suburbs turn into stinky, unsafe places. Rather, I believe that small-plot “farming” in and near the suburbs is the only way to ensure our food supply is safer and better than it currently is. And, yes, we ARE vulnerable to terrorism in this arena. Please continue to get the word out. Thanks for farming.

]]>