Common Ground: The Shortest Food Chain

Here's another article on the sustainable foods culture. The tie is to the book by Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma. Looks like another trip to the booksellers for me. Everthing I keep reading about "Omnivore" makes me want to check out the book.

Common Ground: The Shortest Food Chain: "In the heart of the metropolis, Garro lives as his ancestors from Syracuse, Italy did so many years ago, hunting and gathering meats, vegetables and fruits and salting and brining to preserve the bounty. As in the twisted back alleys of Palermo, the back of Garro’s workshop holds a cellar and walk-in refrigerator stashing homemade provisions: cured meats and delicacies that would make any food lover stop in wonder. Prociutto hang on hooks, boxes of salted fish lie in wait, and a large glass jug sits fermenting an unknown liquid on the cement floor. Lines of mason jars are filled with jams, pickled fish and fish roes. On forged racks, a collection of wines hasn’t had time to gather much dust. The place conveys a feeling of authenticity and a love for all things handmade. It’s the embodiment of what Michael Pollan describes as the “shortest food chain” and part of the “grace of nature” (not industry) that allows us to eat. "

Thanks to Rebecca for the lead to the article...Looks like we are beginning to find a theme here...

Support Your Local Farmer, Craftsperson, and Shopkeeper

It looks like if there is a common thread running through recent posts it is the idea of buying local. My concern was originally in the way of food. I feel a bit leery of the commercialization of the organic movement. Call me a “Luddite” but when the big Agri-Business takes over “Organic” food, I tend to not believe they have anything other than money in mind.

David St Lawrence in his blog this morning had this to say:

Why buy locally, when you can get things cheaper from overseas?

It's really simple. When you buy directly from an artisan or from a farmer, there is a sense of connection that matters. If the artisan and farmer have pride in their work, you take part in a transaction that validates the quality of the goods you have purchased and you have obtained something you are proud to take home.

You are not just buying a cup, a jug, or a head of lettuce. You are buying the careful effort that went into producing what you just bought. Afterward, you will find yourself telling others about your purchase and sharing your joy at finding something that was just right for you.

You have made a connection between yourself and another human being with a meaningful transaction.

I agree with David. By buying locally you are supporting your local economy. If the local economy grows there will be more opportunity. Think of “opportunity” as the real crop you are helping to grow with your support. Now, David (as the new director of the Jacksonville Center) has a vested interest in getting people to support their local craftsperson and artist, but, the only way this country is going to make it in the “Global Economy” is if we change the paradigm on what we buy.