As many of you know, I'm a strong advocate for strengthening our local and regional food systems. Having a diversified food production system is, in my opinion, essential for local and regional food security.
Below are three articles I am passing along.
1) The first, about the rise in food prices, should be sort of obvious for anyone responsible for grocery shopping. If you haven't noticed an increase in food prices or other items over the past few months, you are fortunate. Global food prices on the rise again, says World Bank
2) This second article, discusses a report just released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), calling for less dependence on fossil fuels to increase food production. This report and article is heartening, as anyone who has taught anything about sustainable agriculture knows we DO have the technology and methods to grow food more sustainably and using less fossil fuel.
FAO calls for less dependence on fossil fuels to increase food production
The report suggests using such techniques as improving water use so as to ensure less water is wasted (like watering at night or during the cooler parts of the day), as well as reducing, recycling and streamlining waste. I would also suggest we consider the current 'scale' of agriculture, and think more in terms of integrating agriculture into our urban and suburban environments (at least here in the U.S.)
3) The third article discusses a report from global scientists with policy recommendations for global food security in the foreseeable future.
Global scientists serve up food security policy recommendations
One of their recommendations which stands out for me is to 'significantly raise the level of global investment in sustainable agriculture and food systems.' Again, for me, this goes back to my own thoughts that every region in this country has the opportunity to improve and enhance their regional food systems, and that these can be viable business and market opportunities.
In New York State, Governor Cuomo last year called for the development of new regional economic development plans. I am glad to see in the Capital Region's Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan an emphasis on building regional agriculture and valuing "local" food. I personally would like to see more of this happening, again, not just in the rural areas but also urban and surburban. Whether its smaller scale farms or small-scale food production/processing businesses - opportunities abound!
Photos by Amy L. Stock (top: Homegrown produce; bottom: Maine farm field in winter)
