Pandemic offers lessons on food supply
As the pandemic drags on, I would like to take time to reflect about what good can come out of what we are going through. If we don’t learn anything, it would be a shame.
Of course, I hope we learn how better to handle the next pandemic. I also hope a vaccine is developed and we have a process in place when we need another rapid vaccine response.
We have learned that we do not need to drive hours and miles to have face-to-face meetings, thanks to online platforms. We have also learned that adults can be trusted to telework and collaborate and — wait for it — can be productive.
The most exciting thing to me was the surge in interest about where our food comes from. I hope that continues to grow. People actually gave serious credence to local food. Suddenly, regional food systems were no longer an abstract thought of the hippie down the street.
I am sure I am not alone when I say I never thought toilet paper and ground beef would be in short supply. Even more interesting is that it was for the same reason: logistics, not lack of supply. Making seismic shifts in our food system will not be easy or pain free.
It just makes sense that our ground beef should come from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia or Pennsylvania, not Kansas or Nebraska. I have nothing against those states. I have friends in both. But their surplus should be the gap filler, not the primary source.
I know the problems. I know the challenges. But if we never examine them, we will never know if we should make changes. Making decisions under the pressure of a supply chain breakdown is not the right time. It should be done outside of dire circumstances.
Another positive outcome is the renewed interest in people growing a portion of their own food. I think this is a good idea if for no other reason than to gain an appreciation of what it takes to produce food. It is a little more than putting some seeds into the ground and, boom, a crop is produced. The only time that happened, it got Jack into giant trouble.
I don’t usually solicit responses from my readers, but today I will make an exception. One of my educational goals once this current situation passes is to put together a homesteading-type course. What topics would you like to see offered? Please send me an email or give me a call.
Our master gardeners already offer a robust selection of classes in the garden realm, so it should be something beyond those topics.
At any rate, enjoy what is left of the summer with a local peach, watermelon, cantaloupe, ear of corn or tomato and thank the farmer who grew it.