Lost Produce

I've been very interested in the support of local farmers for some time now but I began to think about it once more after watching a documentary called Broken Limbs: Apples, Agriculture and the New American Farmer.

The plot is as follows - BROKEN LIMBS explores hopeful stirrings within agriculture, and outlines ways in which any individual can play a role in saving America’s farmers. The film presents the stories of farmers attempting to create this new model for agriculture and emerging, more sustainable solutions to the crises of recent years – solutions applicable not just to apples and not just to farming, but to nearly any sector of the American economy troubled by the effects of consolidation and globalization.

Then the other the day the subject came up again when I read an article in our local paper about one of our own historic farms -Imwalle Gardens - established in 1886 by the Imwalle brothers. They were German immigrants who came to Santa Rosa and found the fertile fields along the Santa Rosa Creek a profitable place to grow vegetables. We have shopped there many times but more as a lark than as regular customers. I now realize the need to support this farm with our regular business. It is not only important for us to know exactly where our food comes from but as the documentary suggested - we have our own Dr. and Dentist and we can also have our own Farmer. I love this idea!! Another great thing is that the Imwalles buy from other small local farmers to supplement their own supplies which makes it even better. I'm going to continue to look for ways to support these and other local businesses . While progress is important and necessary - community and continuity also have importance. I can't imagine what would it be like to drive down W 3rd st. and not come across that small oasis of land growing lots of yummy things amidst the houses and I don't want to.