@morethanorganic

For many western countries, 2009 has been the year of the credit crunch.  While I´m no financial whizz, it´s safe to say that the collapse of the economy is down to greed!

The ´have now, pay later´ mentality is a symptom of our modern society.  We want it all, we want it now, we deserve it!

This mentality is like the concrete holding the foundation of our modern food system together.  Modern farming practices are the ´have it now, pay later´ system of agriculture.

Demanding that natural systems forever increase their efficiency is impossible.  The result is that modern farming practices have to rely on artificial fertilisers and chemical means of controlling the natural environment.  This system has been delivering the results, but at a heavy cost. 

The results are low cost homogenised foods.  The costs take the form of a generational credit agreement, that is now starting to demand payment...

-Long term, sustained decrease in food quality

-Polluted environment

-Cancers resulting from the use of pesticides

Everything we are doing now is creating not only our own future, but that of our children, grandchildren and their successive generations.

Are you pointing the finger yet?  Well don´t until you´ve read on.

Lets be clear about something, modern industrial scale farmers are good people. Just like you they want to create good conditions for their children´s future.  Modern farming practices have developed in synergy with OUR ´have it now, pay later´ society.  In a way, modern farming represents the survival of agriculture at the hands of our society.  We have helped nurture the beast, the provider of cheap food for our fast lives.  So lets collectively take some responsibility.

So what is the answer? How can we restore balance to our modern food system for the benefit of ourselves and future generations?  While, it´s clear there isn´t a short term fix, some of the answers may be simpler than you think.

1. We can start by changing our perception of what constitutes quality food.  Currently food quality is based on appearance and nutrient content (so very buy now, pay later).  I´m advocating that quality be judged more on vitality and taste, based on the causes and conditions that have gone into creating the food.  For example, your perception of the quality of an orange, will be influenced if you knew that the water used to grow that orange came from a polluted river.

2. Start growing your own food ... right now!  Use your garden, window boxes, roof space, whatever you have.  I´ve heard that in China, they are growing food everywhere ... at the sides of roads, on roofs.  It seems the Chinese, are feeling the FOOD CRUNCH, sooner than ourselves.

Involve your children in growing food.  If you have space give them their own small area to cultivate and look after food plants.  This will definitely help to re-establish their connection with natural systems and give them an appreciation of the value of Quality Real Food.  If you do this with your children you may be surprised to see they don´t waste so much food.  Growing Real Quality Food is hard work, but the enjoyment and benefits it brings will definitely enrich their lives.

This is one of the kindest things you can do for your children  Not only are you enabling them to learn a skill that can help them be more independant adults.  Connecting your children directly with natural systems will help prepare them for the environmantal challenges they will have to face as adults.

3. If you don´t cook. Learn, then involve and teach your children.  This point was emphasied recently by #ProFood creator Rob Smart (@JamButter).  This naturally follows on from the second point.  Your perception of food quality has changed, you and your children have spent time growing Real Quality Food, now you need to cook it.  Cooking adds to the creativity and lets you share the results of your good work.  Cooking also furthers our education about the true value of Real Quality Food.

4. Invest in buying sustainably farmed produce.  Preferably chemical free.  Ensure the farm you support really does care about the welfare of their animals.  Don´t be afraid to ask for a farm tour.  Buying direct from sustainable farmers is an investment in your family´s health.  It´s also an investment in the long term food security of your children.  That adds up to great value, Real Quality Food!

If we can begin in our own ways to implement these four points, we can slowly create more demand for Real Quality Food.  Modern farmers have options ... with a growing market for sustainable Real Quality food they can choose to transition to a more sustainable model...

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change"

- Charles Darwin

It´s down to us, the government won´t do it and modern farmers won´t change if you keep buying their food.  By implementing these four points, together, we have the possibility of achieving something truly meaningful.

We are creating our children´s future right now.  Lets STOP breaking it!

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