In late September, I had the pleasure of visiting one of my favorite farms in rural Maryland. This family farm, in organic production since 1983, was teaming with life, fertility and biodiversity. Rows of lush broccoli, colorful chard and hearty blood red beets flourished despite the autumn chill.
As we walked near hooped raspberry bushes and succulent Roma tomatoes vines, we discussed modern life on the farm. The local farm to restaurant trend is flourishing in upscale Baltimore restaurants that literally purchase tons of in-season produce from the farm to grace their menus. Several nearby farmers markets sell the bounty from these rolling fields each week. The community supported agriculture (CSA) program allows hundreds of families to receive weekly cartons of gorgeous homegrown vegetables with a community connection. In this idyllic setting what could possibly go wrong? Continue reading “Local Food in Peril?”