Support Local Farms: The How & Why

One of the most memorable aspects of the coronavirus pandemic will be the empty grocery store shelves. Shoppers stacked their carts with items like rice, bread, meat, and canned goods until there was none left to spare. How many of us saw those empty shelves and stopped to think about the farmers who produce those goods? Many of those responsible for planting and harvesting our nation’s food supply don’t have sick leave and possibly not even health insurance. Farms and ranches, like almost all of the other businesses in America, are in crisis. The sad thing is, they have been for awhile. As a nation, let’s come together to support local farms.

It Isn’t Easy Being A Farmer

According to federal court data, U.S. farm bankruptcy rates jumped 20% in 2019. “Family farm” bankruptcies have steadily increased over the past five years. Hurdles like low commodity prices, farm debt, animal disease, weather, floods, and fires are enough for farmers to worry about. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis will be the straw that broke the camel’s back causing us to lose a number of small and beginning farms. Farms that sell healthy, perishable foods like fruits and vegetables will be especially at risk. Losses for farms and ranches that sell through regional and local food markets (i.e., farmers markets, farm to school, food hubs serving other institutions, and restaurants) will suffer a total loss to the economy of up to $1.32 billion from March to May 2020 based on research from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

How Can We Help?

We see these reports and can’t help but ask, “What can we do?” Local farms and food businesses need our support now more than ever. Here are a few things we can do to help support local farms.

Sign up for a CSA

For those that don’t know, CSA stands for “community supported agriculture.” You can support a local CSA by purchasing a share and receiving fresh produce as soon as it’s time to harvest. Some even ask for volunteer work in exchange for goods to lower administrative costs and lessen the burden for those who work the farm. Here are a couple of CSAs in our area in Southwest Missouri.

• Urban Roots Farm, Springfield, MO
• Millsap Farms, Springfield, MO

Click here to use Local Harvest, an online resource to help find a CSA near you.

Visit a Farm

Some farms invite you to come pick your own berries and veggies right out of the garden! Consider dropping in to support local farms.

• C&S Farms, Dadeville, MO
• Cross Harvest Fresh Farm, Pleasant Hope, MO

Shop at a Farmers Market

Experts predict that closings and social distancing measures will cause a 10%-25% loss in annual sales for farmers markets across the country. Here are a few farmers markets in Southwest Missouri that would appreciate your support.

• Greater Polk County Farmers Market, Bolivar, MO
• Buffalo Community Farmer’s Market, Buffalo, MO
• Farmers Market of the Ozarks, Springfield, MO

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Many Americans have adopted the mindset that they want to buy the cheapest food possible. Or they seek to find the quickest and easiest option. Even we are guilty of this at times when life gets busy. But, these on-the-fly food decisions are often at the expense of our health, our environment, and our farmers. One way we can support our local farmers is by changing this mindset. Seek out fresh, locally sourced food products. Sign up for a CSA. Visit a local farm. Shop at a farmers market. Eat at your local restaurants and schools. Even if it means spending a few extra dollars on your food budget, your health and your local farmers will thank you!

Are you interested in starting your own farm? Here’s 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Farm.