Hey everyone! I saw this article in the NY Times on the future of organic farming and I thought I would share.
There are some really interesting facts in the article (...did you know "...The average age of the American farmer is 57, and the fastest-growing age group for farmers is 65 and over, according to the Census Bureau." ?) as well some really touching anecdotes about managing to pay for (what should be basic) things like health insurance, the struggles passing farms on to the next generation, and the realities of farming;
“We went out of our way to give everything to the earth, and the earth gives back to us,” said Jack Lazor, who started his organic dairy farm in the 1970s. The earth doesn’t always give cash, though. He dropped his health insurance in 2008, because, he said, “We couldn’t afford it.”
“Mr. Willey, 65, said he called a family meeting with his three children. “We made clear to them we have a very profitable business,” he said, but none were interested in carrying it on...“Farmers often work seven days a week and as many hours a day as the sun is up,” he said. “Young people looking into agriculture are not willing to make that drastic a sacrifice.”
The future of farming should be fascinating. Really shows how important it is to support local small farms. A few Stone Farm CSA shares are still available!
Happy eating,
-Mike