It’s time that we rethink the marketplace. We need to distance ourselves from traditional ideologies and techniques and take on an innovative way of exploring how to bring farming to the people.
How can we get most of society to experience the pleasures of the land?
The point is—there is not one set answer. When looking at urban and rural farming many will explore ways to develop a certain formula to apply to various types of farms. The truth is that if we keep looking for formulaic techniques we are going to keep finding ourselves resorting back to large, commodified farms.
When certain people look at Joel Salatin, we have gotten feedback stating that his farming style “will not work on all farms.” This is where I feel people have misinterpreted why Salatin has become such a public leader and role model. It’s not that he’s telling people to farm exactly like him, rather he serves as an image of a farmer who went against the traditional farming techniques, and developed his own innovative way of raising and growing his meat, poultry, and produce and getting it to people.
For example, the url link/video featured in this blog post highlights Salatin’s buying clubs. He consolidates various people interested in buying his food, creating a social environment where people can build relationships with others in their community. Joel is going against the grain shall we say (no pun intended).
While Salatin’s farming techniques can be applied to certain farmers, it serves as one of many farming styles that can be effective. With vertical farms (using buildings in urban environments to grow produce), the SPIN technique (using neighbors’ and community backyards to build a farm), and many other alternative ways of viewing ways to farm, there is not one solution that is going to solve how to feed America.
We need to all start thinking how to go against the grain. With CSAs as a start for getting small farmers’ produce to the community, there are various ways we can build an even larger community of small and local farmers. We need to stop thinking in simplistic forms—and accept the various sustainable and ecologically friendly farming innovations emerging in America.