Organic farmers are the new rock stars
by Kristin Vogel,
Communications & Education Associate
This article was originally published in February 2011
A cultural shift is underway in the world of farming, and not a moment too soon. Increasing numbers of young growers are gathering together to share skills, knowledge and resources in order to make it possible for new generations of farmers to overcome a huge range of obstacles.
The newly formed Washington Young Farmers Coalition (Facebook page) is one such local group bringing energy and momentum to the movement.
Nationally, the Greenhorns are another organization forging new sustainable agriculture paths and creating social change in their wake. Check out thegreenhorns.net and watch the trailer for their upcoming documentary and the amazing and numerous things they’re up to.
As a profession, organic farming requires a creative and bold perspective, but it also takes an enormous amount of capital and intense commitment. One of the largest and most urgent deterrents facing all farmers, regardless of experience, is access to affordable farmland.
We can’t all be young, ambitious new farmers in our 20s, or wise, irreverent farmers who have seen plenty of seasons. But the rest of us can certainly work to save farmland — on their behalf, and in the end, our own.
Around our office, we like to think organic farmers are the new rock stars. In many ways, it’s very true! So many farmers we’ve had the privilege to work with possess charisma to spare, and a certain nervy tenaciousness shared with the best of rock and roll heroes.
Organic growers are out in the field every day, often doing repetitive work in harsh conditions, staying true to their passion for connecting good food with the people who eat it. Hopefully, we fans who reap the benefits can help support the policies and organizations that make it more tenable for farmers to find and stay on land doing their (often unglamorous) work.
In the spirit of celebrating our farmer rock stars — young and elder — and reaching new supporters and fans, we’ve teamed up with KEXP for a community partnership in February, culminating in a benefit show for PCC Farmland Trust on March 5 at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard.
Please visit our website at pccfarmlandtrust.org for more details.