FYS: FOOD & COMMUNITY

FIELD RESEARCH

By: Albert Scardera

Topic The American industrial agricultural

system has proven to have negative influences on the environment and its people’s health, which in turn has encouraged the growth of small farms that can compete alongside large industrial farms.

My Findings Nutritional values Biodiversity Viability Self sustainable

MY Approach I intended on interviewing both an

organic farmer and a conventional farmer to see their points of view on how their farms influence and affects the surrounding peoples.

Interviewees Organic Farm

Bittersweet Farm

Conventional farmsKingston Roadside Stand/ Noble Farm

Bittersweet Farm How would you describe your farm? (type) What does it mean to be “certified organic”? How long has bittersweet farm been in operation? Are there any particular

reasons? Do you think that small farms have been seen in a new light in the

past years? What are the benefits to have a wide range of diversity on your farm? What is the cost of animal upkeep compared to profit from animals? What is the cost of crop upkeep compared to profits from crops? Who do you consider your competitors in the farming industry? Do you believe consumers receive better health benefits from

organically grown goods, then goods from a conventional farm? Do you believe that your farm treats the environment better than

corporate farms? How so?

Conclusion Although Organic farming may be better

for the environment and peoples health, it is not yet viable to harbor all the food needed to feed the America.

Letourneau, K. Deborah, Sara G. Bothwell. “Comparison of Organic and Conventional Farms:Challenging Ecologists to Make Biodiversity Functional”. Front Ecol Environ. 6.8 (2008): 430-438. Frontiersinecology.org. Web. 21 March 2012.

Ikerd, John D. Crisis & Opportunity. 1st ed. Lincoln & London: University of Nebraska Press, 2008. Print.

Fitzgerald, Deborah. Every Farm a Factory. 1st ed. New Haven & London: Yale University Press, 2003. Print.

Mayerfeld, B. Diane. A Matter of Scale: Small Farms in the North Central Region. UV-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, February 2004. Web. 1 March 2012.

Williams, Tad, John Fellow. “The Corruption of American Agriculture.” Americans for Democratic Action Education Fund. adaction.org. Web. 19 March 2012.

 http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/worthington-organic.pdf