25/07/2024
Well said.
The Crisis of Small Markets in Local Agriculture
At the current trajectory, small markets may not exist in the near future.
What do I mean? The viability of small markets, particularly those centered around locally grown food, is under serious threat.
This concern goes beyond Me & McGee Market; it's about the entire small market sector. Several factors contribute to this challenging situation: stringent government regulations in agriculture, the logistical difficulties of entrepreneurship in local agriculture, and the extremely slim operating margins.
I've been involved in this sector long enough to witness many markets start and then fail. I've seen our local farmers aging, with younger generations showing little interest in agriculture. Those who do often find themselves overwhelmed by the challenges.
Our success has been largely due to the love and support of our community and our dedication to the work while not making money. But make no mistake—this is incredibly difficult and draining. The community is the offset that makes it worth it.
If we collectively understood how consolidated the food system is, we would be alarmed. What does all this mean? It means a very focused and controlled system dictates our food supply. This affects all aspects of agriculture, including meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and dairy.
There is very little genetic diversity, leaving us vulnerable to catastrophic losses in the event of disease outbreaks. The only way to mitigate this risk is to buy locally. Purchasing directly from farmers is wonderful, but many farmers are not interested in the retail side of the local food system because it is challenging. Marketing, operations, labor, sourcing, distribution—these are all daunting tasks.
This is why small markets are essential; they serve as the retail arm of agriculture. What's the solution? Again, buy and source locally.
Innately, we know this; we can feel it. This approach encourages more farmers and fosters entrepreneurship within the agricultural food system.
The consequences of not supporting local and decentralized food systems will be continued declines in health and community well-being. If you're unaware of what's happening in the agricultural areas of Arkansas, it's worth exploring. We find ourselves in a precarious situation, and the COVID-19 food supply issues should have been a wake-up call. However, my warnings have often fallen on deaf ears. Even within government and lobbying groups. Wonder why?
We seem more concerned with ensuring the success of multi-billion dollar corporations in a consolidated market, as they employ many and have significant lobbying power, rather than caring for the community as a whole.
The only way forward is to develop localized, regenerative agriculture that supports the health and wealth of individuals and communities, not just as a means for corporations to profit from citizens. This is a call to action for individuals. Every dollar you spend on food either supports the corporate machine or strengthens the local economy.
Local food systems are at risk of disappearing, whether we notice it or not.
