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Area could come up red, green
Published Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Years ago, old-time farmers didn’t worry about things such as salmonella.
They knew what went on their crops and who touched them, and the responsibility was all their own.
Today, however, as small farms have given way to huge production facilities both at home and abroad, the Food and Drug Administration plays big brother and when millions of tomatoes are involved, problems happen.
A recent outbreak of salmonella sparked national headlines and a leeriness over the quality of produce in general.
But for farmers such as those working with Mississippi’s Small Farm Development Center life is getting simple again.
Alcorn State University’s program provides the technical or financial assistance farmers might need to begin growing their own crops for profit.
As the price of gas — and most other things — climbs it is time to consider the simple things again. If you can buy a healthy tomato down the road, support a local farmer and keep the dollars local, why not do it?
With help from the Small Farm Development Center perhaps more local farmers will be able to produce enough crops to sustain the needs at local markets.
Our community can eat green, be green and make green.
Comments
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
we definitely need more local small farms that can supply the local community. Its tough on small farmers, I know as I spend 10 years helping Alcorn in it's attempt to increase production in MS. The megafarms of Florida, California, and Mexico can produce so much and with far less expense, it is almost impossible for a small farmer to compete. However, now with higher production costs (fuel and chemicals) and high freight expense, small farmers may be able to compete.
we also need closer scrutiny and tighter inspection of all food coming in from other countries
Mexico grows food without the same restrictions our farmers have, it's not fair trade. Why do you think so many Mexicans are willing to smuggle themselves into our country for a better life, because the work conditions are so bad in Mexico, of course. it's not fair trade just to allow free crossing of the border by trucks hauling stuff across our border.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish we could have hundreds of farmers growing OUR food . I hate the fact that we have all our food and other goods coming from other countries. It is not fair trade. They grow and build under circumstances that are not even close to being fair to our growers and builders.
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