Leave No Farmer Behind
Nurturing diverse next generation farmers in Montgomery County
by Caroline taylor
Let ’ s face it , the vast majority of Americans are consumers . We are not self-sufficient when it comes to filling our fridges and cupboards … not remotely . We depend on an ever-dwindling number of farmers growing on ever decreasing farm acreage . If we are to strengthen this fragile system in the future we must be intentional about cultivating next generation producers . Take a look at some numbers . The average American , according to the US Food and Drug Administration , consumes 1885 pounds of food a year , nearly 1 ton ! Add to that the sobering statistic that nationally , and in Maryland , the average age of our farmers is just over 59 . The nation lost more than 100,00 farms between 2011 and 2018 . And though we are fortunate to have family run farms in Montgomery County that will be passed along to the next generation , these do not number nearly enough to address the growing need for local food production . Moreover , we must provide equitable access to land and resources for skilled diverse new farm businesses . The Agricultural Reserve , at over 90,000 acres , has plenty of room for more farms , and we will all thrive with greater inclusiveness .
Giving Voice to Challenges
Last June a group of diverse producers , all growing in Montgomery County , met at Dodo Farms in Brookeville with Councilmember Gabe Albornoz to share concerns about the difficulties new farm businesses encounter . Uplifting news of the growing diversity of local producers and products , especially culturally relevant crops , was tempered by the universal frustration about the myriad barriers to getting started . Access to affordable land and resources such as wells , fencing , equipment , affordable close by housing options , equitable access to capital , clearer guidance to navigate various requirements for farm start-ups were cited as needed if we
4 plenty I spring sowing 2023 Photo : wib middleton