First place winner
The Time for Change is Now
A. Sistrunk, Bartlesville High School
Jim Horne recently stated, "We've spent the last fifty years involved in an industrial model of agriculture. It's time to work with nature instead of subduing it" (Gardenhire). Future laws must address the issues that currently face American farmers and consumers. In the past century, agriculture in the United States has dramatically shifted from being a personal, family--owned business to being a highly developed, technologically driven industry. Many of the practices that have inspired these changes are a threat to the environment and should be reconsidered. With minor changes, family-owned farms in America can protect the environment while they are also sustainable and successful.
It is vital to the future of farmers in the United States that lawmakers listen to their farming constituents. As those lawmakers make decisions regarding the agriculture industry, American values must be considered. The dedication to their farms that farm families currently have is a modern reflection of the ideals that inspired the settlement of the American frontier. The fact that family farms still exist in America, despite the economic hardships that these farmers often experience, is proof that these ideals still exist in the United States. More importantly, the continued existence of family farms is also proof that farmers have the same dedicated work ethic that the first farmers had in the United States. As a nation that values its history, the United States needs to support the industry that made survival in a foreign land possible; and recognize the current threat to these farmers.
When a sustainable food system is established, it will be possible to grow crops without harming the environment. This sustainable food system, however, will only become a reality once farmers stop thinking of pesticides as being the only effective form of pest control. Lundberg Family Farms have proven that crops can be grown without the excessive use of pesticides. Using "innovative practices such as noise guns and reflective tape to scare off birds, and crayfish traps and owl nesting boxes to control rodents" protection is provided to the family-owned rice crop (Schnitt).
The pest-control methods adopted by Lundberg Family Farms demonstrate that environmentally friendly farming is possible. While farming techniques vary depending on the crop being grown, farmers can invent new, environmentally friendly farming techniques for each crop. Environmentally safe techniques will preserve soil quality for the farms of future generations.
Family farmers in a sustainable food system would be able to farm profitably while protecting the environment. In an article recently released by the Columbia Daily Tribune, the author discusses a new system of agriculture that has been practiced in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Agriculture encouraged individuals to apply for grants that could be used to establish sustainable farms. Joan Benjamin, who directed the program, stated "the program promotes sustainable agriculture by helping farmers reduce their use of nonrenewable resources" (Birk). So far, individuals who have received grants have produced profitable crops. The program is proving to be a success, and, as one woman who received a grant stated: "We're supporting family farming. We want to bring back [farming] where you [buy] from your neighbors" (Birk).
A sustainable food system would additionally promote higher food quality. Many of the pesticides that are currently used on crops in the United States are effective, but are not necessarily safe. Thomas Fricke, president of a company that grows organic spices, claims, "virtually all conventional spices sold in the United States are fumigated with hazardous chemicals that are banned in Europe" (Harris). By relying on alternative methods, the farmers from whom Fricke buys do not use fertilizers and pesticides that he believes are harmful to the environment. This company also sterilizes their spices with steam heat and avoids irradiation. Exposing crops to radiation does not change the taste of the crop, but creates potential health risks (Harris). Pesticides may be quick and effective, but Americans do not know enough about the effects of these chemicals to spray them on food. Sustainable agriculture would provide alternative forms of pesticide. This pesticide would not necessarily be a chemical sprayed on the plant and would increase the quality of food sold in the United States.
In order for a system of sustainable agriculture to be possible, there must be reforms involving legislation. At the present time, it is legal for packing companies to own livestock (Farm). While this may not seem like a major issue to those outside the agriculture industry, this ownership has incredible effects on small family farms. When packing companies are allowed to raise and own cattle, it allows these major corporations to manipulate prices. Changes that ban "packer ownership and restrictions on captive supplies will increase competition in the livestock industry, and boost the economic security of farmers and ranchers" (Farm). Allowing packing companies to own cattle is clearly not in the best interest of family farmers. This practice is also ethically questionable because it allows major companies to twist the concept of capitalism at the cost of those who are honestly working to provide for their families.
Legislators need to recognize that the interests of hard-working Americans are more valuable than any business. Legislation must close the loopholes that are a threat to the well being of family farmers and the concept of capitalism. Even though it will take time, the farmers of today must be protected. These individuals must receive support to be able to provide for their families and protect the environment. If America does not make changes today, changes may not be an option for America in the future.
Bibliography
Birk, Chris. "'Small Farmers Benefit from Missouri Grant Funds." Columbia Daily Tribune 1 October 2001.
"Farm Groups Warn Congress of Catastrophic Loss of Family Farms; Offer Solutions for a Better Farm Bill." US Newswire 4 December 2001.
Gardenhire, Damon. "Growth Spurt." Oklahoma Today September/October 2001.
Harris, Mark. "Spice it up." E Magazine: The Environmental Magazine May/June 2001.
Schnitt, Paul. "California Rice Production Company Recognized for Environmental Consciousness." The Sacramento Bee 2 October 2001.
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