Newsletter 2016 1213

LAST WEEK - Order Deadlines

Madison:

Order by Sunday, December 18, 2016

Pickup Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Hattiesburg (12:15 - 12:45) & Hattiesburg Hwy 98 West (11:15 - 11:45)

Order by Monday, December 19, 2016

Pickup Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Picayune (2:15-2:45)

Order by Monday December 19, 2016

Pickup Wednesday, December 21, 2016

MS Gulf Coast (3:45-4:15)

Order by Monday December 19, 2016

Pickup Wednesday, December 21, 2016

We believe in transparency, as there’s no better education about what it is we do, how we do it and why, than an honest and straightforward conversation about any aspect of our farm!

Food Security

Have you ever travelled to China? Back in my former work experience I travelled there extensively. I remember my first trip in 1993 was an eye-opener. So many people crowded into cities, transportation - everywhere. Pollution was bad. However, from 1999-2005 I spent a lot of time in China and other Asian countries. Locations included Northern China near the start of the Great Wall to South China. While there are many wonderful things to see in China what I remember most is the horrible pollution. Folks who live in America have no idea what real pollution really is. My last trip was September 2012. As we drove back into Shanghai to catch our return flight the pollution was so bad it was burning my eyes and lungs.

So, how does this relate to Food Security in America? Well, according to a recent Mercola article a mere 11 percent of China’s land is suitable for farming, and an estimated 40 to 60 percent of this arable land has been severely degraded by pollution, erosion, salinization and/or acidification.  75% of Chinese rivers are severely polluted. Factors such as these make food security a major concern for China. After a spate of food scandals, Chinese consumers have also lost much of their trust in the Chinese food supply and are willing to pay more for imported foods.

The solution is a clever one! Buy American farmland and meat producers, and then send the food back to China – sidestepping the American farmer. TakePart.com tracks how US Politicians are largely to blame for facilitating this foreign takeover of American agriculture and food production.

Here are some examples:

2011 – Chinese companies owned $81 million worth of American farmland

2012 – Chinese ownership skyrocketed by 1,000 percent to $900 million. They’re also buying up food producers

2013 – Pork processor Smithfield was bought by Shaunghui at $7.1 billion – 30% above its estimated market value. Included in the deal was $480 million worth of American farmland. Chinese own 1 of every 4 pigs raised in the U.S.

It gets worse – according to a 2016 report, Smithfield Food Ranks No. 1 Toxic Polluter Among Agribusinesses and was responsible for the release of 7.4 million pounds of toxic pollution – more than U.S. Steel or Exxon Mobil – the vast majority of this toxic water pollution is nitrates. So, while China is reaping the best of what rural America has to offer, all of the pollution remains on American land and in our waterways.

Also of concern is how trade agreements and farm bill subsidies undermine local food production systems. Shipping agriculture products around the world amounts to shipping water & nutrients while leaving horrible pollution behind - all of which destroy soil health!

Consumers are the KEY! When your food dollars are used to support LOCAL REAL FARM FOOD SYSTEMS vs. factory farm processed foods YOU will drive change. What is needed are hundreds of small local farm families working to provide food for their community. This will rebuild rural America that has been devastated by farm bills & get big or get out mentality. For Mississippi to import $8.5 billion of food annually is embarrassing!

By purchasing Real Farm Food you not only help protect your food security but, you also receive a healthy, nutritious, and great tasting product.

Maybe you are new to our farm or signed up some time ago but have yet to order. Now is a good time to see what Real Farm Food is by purchasing two of our popular selections - WHILE ON SALE. Simply visit our online store.

Thank you for supporting our farm.