According to the Farm Aid website, “small and local farmers need more access to distribute their food”. In addition, the organization emphasizes that small farming is a good economic solution for people with less income. The economy is in an unstable situation. People are struggling to make a living wage. There will never be enough opportunities for everyone to find jobs. That is why people need to support small and local farming.
The way the agricultural industry is structured currently, it is difficult for small and local farmers to get their food to the public. They have to go through middlemen, who often add on extra costs. This makes it hard for small and local farmers to be price competitive. The Farm Aid organization says that “a farmer needs a return of $20 for each dollar invested in production”. This is the price point at which they can cover the cost of producing food, and break even. However, with added costs from distributors, this equilibrium becomes unattainable.
The key to resolving this problem is creating more opportunities for small and local farmers to distribute their food. There are already some initiatives in place, such as farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. However, more can be done. The government could provide incentives for supermarkets and restaurants to buy from small and local farmers. This would help to create a more level playing field.
Small and local farming is the backbone of the agricultural industry. They are more sustainable and produce food that is healthier for us. By creating more opportunities for them to distribute their food, we can help to build a stronger agricultural system. This will benefit everyone in the long run. Thank you for your time.