Thank You, Farmers!
By pam
Welcome back!
While we gather with our loved ones around the Thanksgiving table and give thanks for the bountiful harvest, which is the source of the healthy foods that we are eating, let’s also thank the farmers who are responsible for growing these healthy produce.
The week from November 20 – 26, 2009 is designed by the National Farm City Council as National Farm-City Week. This is to recognize the important role of the farmers in food and fiber production, as well as, to strengthen the bond between farm families and urban residents.
Judi from Care2.com tells us why we need to thank and support the farmers and the local agriculture in our area.
You may be reluctant to do this, since most news stories regarding farmers usually cast a negative light on them. However, many of our farmers practice sustainable agriculture and work toward preserving our natural resources, protecting the environment and conserving water. As I have written about several times here on Care2.com, they are the largest stewards of our land and are working to preserve what little open space is left.
But each year, their very existence is jeopardized by the unchecked growth of development, competition and dominance by large corporate farms, over-regulation at the state and federal level, and the apparent lack of concern for their survival by the general public.
American Farmland Trust (AFT), reports that every minute of every day, America loses two acres of farm and ranch land to development. And, as they point out, without local farms and farmland, there is no local food.
For the past several years, more people have been buying and eating locally grown produce, and overall there is more awareness that buying from local growers supports a healthy economy. But, this increased demand will take more farms, farmers, and farm land to grow more local food and that’s why supporting the work of groups like AFT is so important.
We can continually show our support to our local farmers by shopping at local farm markets. Buying locally grown produce does not only support them and the agriculture sector, it also encourages us to eat healthy and in season. This way, we have access to natural foods and various nutrients needed by our body all throughout the year.
Thank you, farmers! Thank you for growing local fruits and vegetables and happy Thanksgiving!
Image by OrganicNation.
Related reading:
Thanking the farmers had to be done earlier….A bit late to do that
It’s never too late to say Thank You
hat’s off to you… and thanks a lot for this post. it’s a must to thank farmers everyday for their hard working and contributions to our economy.