How Many Harvests Have We Left?
(Page 3 of 3)
3 - USDA research should be redirected towards organic
farming methods. This would include developing new farm
machinery (mulchers, shredders, etc.), recycling garbage
(turning organic wastes, autumn leaves, etc. into compost)
and making these machines available to all farmers.
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This will be no easy task. Both government and business are
committed to large-unit, mechanized, chemical farming. The
better farmers are as concerned with the environment as we
are but they are exposed only to USDA information and trade
journals which serve the interests of corporate
agriculture. What can we do?
Probably, farmers can be most easily reached by
professional scientists like Dr. Commoner but rural
communes can provide worthwhile examples too.
The communes can do this by getting involved in organic
farming and marketing their produce in ways that educate
the public and create a demand for organically grown food.
(For instance, distribute literature with the produce;
"compete" by comparing the poison-free vegetables with the
crap that passes for food in supermarkets: supply urban
communes and food-buying cooperatives with low-priced,
healthy foods.)
Ecology-action groups on campuses can help by demanding
organic food in eating halls, cafeterias, student unions,
etc.
And, finally, groups can start "People's Gardens" in parks,
abandoned lots, in the suburbs, on campuses, etc. They can
grow food for the community and hold free feasts at harvest
time.
People with other suggestions and ideas should put them
into practice and get the word around. The Movement has
ignored the farmer and U.S. agriculture policy for too
long. How many harvests have we left?
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