As a result of the big-business mentality we seem to apply to all areas of life these days, it is increasingly difficult for small family farmers to find markets for their products. Big corporations are consolidating to get us Americans the lowest prices possible, and turning organic food into a commodity. While this is great on the one hand (more people eating organic = a positive influence on our Earth), on the other hand we are inadvertently causing harm to a very important part of our population: our local farmers.
Recently, the Association of Family Farms has announced "new standards - and a new seal - to assure buyers that food isn't just raised humanely and sustainably but also comes from small family farms." (via the Colorado Daily)
And it's working! Whole Foods announced a $10-million low-interest loan program for local farmers to get products into their stores, Equal Exchange (the international Fair Trade company) is beginning to incorporate products from US farmers, Burger King is beginning to get eggs and pork from farms using sustainable and humane practices... it would seem we are moving as a whole in the right direction yes? slowly, but surely.
Read the whole article in the Colorado Daily right here.
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