Trend-Spotting: How Farming Communities Are Shaping the Next Generation of Farmers
By Kristin Rawls | December 22, 2011 at 7:05 am
The growth of small organic farms and the local food movement has conjured a new, counter-cultural trend. This popular new form of farming community is a group of people coming together so that more experienced farmers can teach younger generations how to farm. Sometimes, this involves bringing people in to work as apprentices on one’s farm. It can also mean organizing events in which people interested in farming meet with local farmers to learn some of the basics.
Recently, Halogen caught up with Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, managing editor of Modern Hippie Mag. She’s passionate about the sustainable farming community movement and wanted to share some of her insights here.
Is there a lot of diversity among farming communities? If so, how?
Gyimah-Brempong: There are as many types of farming communities as there are ideas on how to farm! I personally feel that the ones that are the most sustainable incorporate the same principles as any triple bottom line business: people, planet, profit.
What kinds of things inspire people to get involved in farming communities?
Gyimah-Brempong: I think food is one of those visceral things: it’s a need, but also a source of pride. Some people get into farming through a deep desire to change the American agricultural system as it currently stands. Others start small or even accidentally (like Tim Stark, who details that process in his memoir Heirloom) and then get hooked on the pleasure of producing something from nothing. That’s a pretty thrilling kind of everyday alchemy.
What kinds of goals do various farming communities have?
Gyimah-Brempong: This is one of the coolest things about farming: the goal is always ultimately to feed people. And I think that from that jumping-off point, the idea of nourishing your community in a wider sense is rarely far behind.
How could someone get involved in a farming community? Are there opportunities even in urban areas?
Gyimah-Brempong: Absolutely! I am actually a huge advocate of urban farming. The large traditional countryside farm absolutely has its place, but I believe we should all have the treat of growing our own food at least once. It changes the way you approach everything related to what’s on your plate.
“The goal is always ultimately to feed people.”
And luckily, there are so many incredible resources to help people do that! From community gardens (through neighborhoods, employers, etc.) to Earthboxes to tiny window planters, depending on the kind of space. If you have flexible neighbors, who knows? You could keep bees in the back alley or chickens on your roof. And there is always the option of joining a CSA, in which someone else is growing the food but you are helping to steward the growth and possibility of that farm. It’s heady stuff.
Are there ways to support these farmers for people who don’t have the time to get involved in farming?
Gyimah-Brempong: CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). You can also reach out to your local county extension program, 4H or 4-Ag group. There is a huge network in this country of resources to connect people to the farmers who grow their food, and it’s being revitalized as people begin to take an interest in where their fruits, veggies, meat and dairy are coming from again.
What does Modern Hippie Mag do to support farming communities?
Gyimah-Brempong: Modern Hippie Mag runs a fair amount of content from the Farm Sanctuary [and] reviews films exploring issues of food production, food security and farming. But on a broader scale, I think our role is about starting the conversation. We try not to tell people what to do, but we do invite them to examine their motivations and the influences in their lives. Mindfulness in eating begins with economic, social and emotional support of our farmers and their communities – they keep our bellies full and our bodies strong.
Are you a part of a farming community?
