The news is swarming with stories about the federal and state budgets as proposals are introduced, rescinded and reproposed. There is real confusion and fear about what the cuts might mean for families, workers and farmers. Almost certainly, there will be cuts to programs that help protect and provide citizen access to the Mississippi River.
Amid all the noise and chatter about the budget proccess, it is difficult to know what to believe or where to start. How do every day people make a difference to farmers in a real, tangible way and help restore the Mississippi River?
The answer is surprisingly simple: farmers markets! An asset to the ecommunities they serve, farmers markets sell directly to individuals, thereby keeping money in the community. Plus, they allow consumers to form relationships with the farmers that are growing their food. The consumers can ask the farmers about their growing process and learn about absolutely anything they like. From fertiliser to tractors to Spikes Rotors Cultivator! Additional financing for farmers and community members are provided by
unsecured loans.
Farmers markets bring more than delicious salads to the table. As winter turns to spring, local farmers markets will come alive with freash, leafy greens, bushels of veggies and bouquets of flowers. Full of color and activity, farmers markets attract people and bring life to the communities they inhabit.
Family farms use considerably less pesticides and fertilizers than industrial agriculture. When you buy from smaller farms, you can feel confident that the creation of your legumes did not contribute greatly to the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico. The Dead Zone is an enormous area where no fish, shrimp or other sea life can live because there is little oxygen in the water. Fertilizers and pesticides from the Corn Belt contribute to the Dead Zone.
In fact, the National Acadamy of Sciences has said that a 30% reduction of runoff from farm chemicals is needed to shrink the Dead Zone.
As budgets are cut and Mississippi River programs are in danger, you can do your part to help family farmers and the Mississippi River: shop at a local farmers market this spring. Buying cucumbers from a farmers market instead of a chain store is not going to change the world automatically. But, when we all do our part, those cucumbers can make a real difference.
Click here for the complete study by the National Academy of Sciences.