With 60 percent of farmers and ranchers in the South over the age of 55, there is no escaping the fact that the future of farming depends on a new generation of farm operators. At the same time, there is growing interest in developing local food systems that help small farmers and market gardeners stay in business while creating opportunities for young people in agriculture. Young Agrarians documents a new breed of agriculturalists as they explore the opportunities and barriers to success in small-scale farming. Interviews with farmers, educators, and young entrepreneurs combined with footage of diverse working landscapes offers an inspirational look at the future of agriculture.
WHY ARE FAMILY FARMS IMPORTANT?
Family farmers in the South are being forced out of farming at an alarming rate. According to Farm Aid, 330 farmers leave their land every week. As a result, there are now nearly 5 million fewer farms than there were in the entire U.S. in the 1930's. Of the two million farms, only 565,000 are family operated. Furthermore, very few young people are becoming farmers. Half of all farmers are now between the ages of 45 and age 65.
In addition to producing fresh, nutritious,, high-quality foods, small family farms in the South provide a wealth of benefits for their local southern communities and regions. Perhaps more importantly they serve as stewards to the land. Unlike industrial agriculture operations, which contaminate communities with chemical, pesticides. noxious fumes and excess manure, family farmers strive to preserve the surrounding environment for future generations.
Family farms help support local southern businesses by purchasing goods and services within their communities. They help benefit the South by helping to preserve the connection between consumers, their food, and the land in which it was produced.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the EPA, 3,000 acres of productive farmland are lost to development every day.
Between 1974 and 2002, the number of corporate-owned Southern farms increased by more than 48%.
Most farms these days are "edge farms" located on the outskirts of urban and suburban population centers.
Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community. Getting to know the farmers who grow your food builds relationships based on understanding and trust, the foundation of strong communities.
YOU'LL SUPPORT ENDANGERED FAMILY FARMS
There's never been a more critical time to support your farming neighbors. With each local food purchase, you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes to the farmer.
YOU'LL SAFEGUARD YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH
Knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown or raised enables you to choose safe food from farmers who avoid or reduce their use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified seed in their operations. Buy food from local farmers you trust.
YOU'LL PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Local food doesn't have to travel far. This reduces carbon monoxide emissions and packing materials. Buying local food also helps to make farming more profitable and selling farmland for development less attractive.
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE IN FRESH, LOCAL FOOD AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF!
Premium Taste. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are usually sold within 24 hours of being harvested. Produce picked and eaten at the height of ripeness has exceptional flavor and, when handled properly, is packed with nutrients.
Maximum Freshness. By choosing local produce at farm stands, farmers markets, pick-your-own farms and grocery stores, you pay for taste, not transportation and packaging.
Unique Varieties. Local farmers often grow a large assortment of unique varieties of products to provide the most flavorful choices throughout the season...
FAMILY FARMS ARE A SOUTHERN TRADITION IN DANGER OF FADING AWAY
Family farms are an important part of our Southern tradition of self-sufficiency, forming the bedrock for communities across the South.
Farmers in 2002 earned their lowest real net cash income since 1940. Meanwhile corporate agribusiness profits have nearly doubled (increased 98%) since 1990.
Large corporations increasingly dominate Southern food production. Four large firms control over 80% of beef slaughter and 50% of broiler chicken production.
FAMILY FARMERS ARE THE HEART OF THE SOUTH'S RURAL COMMUNITIES
Local family farmers spend their money with local merchants. The money stays in town where it benefits everyone and builds a stronger local economy. Independent, family-owned farms supply more local jobs and contribute to the local economy at higher rates than do large, corporate-owned farms.
Eating locally grown, healthy food strengthens your family and community.
Local farmers who sell direct to consumers receive a larger share of the profit for their food.
Hi , I have something very exciting and important to share with you. I am going to send you a quick email with a link to my website. It would mean a lot to me if you would review the website and give your honest feedback. Is that okay?"
I signed the petition against House Resolution 875 and invited a ton of people to sign as well. Many states are starting to assert their 10th Amendment rights under the Constitution telling the fed to butt out.
Are you making your plans to attend the Orlando Dragons Home Opener on
Saturday April 25th at Sanford Stadium? We hope you can make it and join us
in the FUN! For more information go to http://www.n-xbl.com
What: National Xtreme Baseball Leagues Season Debut (South Division)
(AN EXCITING NEW WAY TO PLAY BASEBALL)
Who: Orlando Dragons vs Miami Pythons
When: Sat 4/25/09 (Orlando Dragons Home Opener)
Time: 7:30 PM (Pre game show starts @ 7PM)
Where: Sanford's Memorial Stadium, 1201 Mellonville RD Sanford, FL
Admission: $7 Adults, $3. 50 Children ages 5-14 (ages 4 and under FREE)
Other Dates:
5/9 Daytona Stingrays vs Tampa Bay Black Sox's (Big Tree Park)
5/16 Orlando Dragons vs Tampa Bay Black Sox's (Sanford Stadium)
To buy Tickets: http://www.n-xbl.com Contact Info: 386-308-2694
Website http://www.n-xbl.com South Division League Teams:
Daytona Stingrays, Miami Pythons, Orlando Dragons, Tampa Bay Black Sox
Dragons Sponsored By: AT&T's The Real Yellow Pages, Seminole County
Visitors & Convention Bureau, Budweiser, Debary Golf & Country Club,
DSPN2.com, BenFranklinSpeaker.com Live Internet Broadcasts: DSPN2.com
Hello, Welcome, Thank you for the add and the New Friendship. I hope you will take the time to check out our New Site and Songs I wrote. One of our songs on our playlist is a Patriotic song for our Troops and Vets. Also on our playlist we have a NASCAR/RACING Song. just finished up our New Album. Feel free to leave us a comment let us know what you think. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
...SUPPORT OUR TROOPS & VETS... .....GOD BLESS THEM ALL...
Will you please go to this site & vote for us. http://www. wlaythesound. com Muscle Shoals Music Awards Weve been nominated for 2 award categories. Best new artsit/band of the year Best new country album of the year You might have to scroll the box beside the category to find our name. Thank you,Phillip Crunk State Line Mob
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