My pops was raised on a small farm back in PA in the late 40s and 50s. Many folks like my pops used to live on small farms and be able to make a modest living. KC and I discussed last night, the plight of the small/non-corporate farmer. From what I can see, it is a very difficult business today. In fact, it almost ain’t a business.
She put me onto Agriculture of the Middle.
This term refers to a disappearing sector of mid-scale farms/ranches and related agrifood enterprises that are unable to successfully market bulk commodities or sell food directly to consumers.
I am sure there is so much more to this than I am aware of. Any thoughts?
The best thing we can all do is to buy local produce and products. Small farmers might be dying, but local farmers markets are thriving. They are springing up everywhere. The more people who choose not to buy from supermarkets that sell goods shipped in from all over the world and from big agribusiness the better the shot that small farms can stay alive.
Do yourself a favor and visit the Portland farmers market by PSU on Saturdays. They have the best produce, meat and fish around. Usually runs from April-October.
Nice one Bob. I heard there is one in Hollywood district of PDX as well as Beaverton.
Farmers markets are all over the place in the Portland Metro area – the Lake Oswego one has a vendor selling freshly-made donuts. That’s my Saturday morning breakfast all market-season. Oh, and yeah – the produce is excellent, too.
You can find markets in your area on this site: http://www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org/