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.