I think the trouble with organic farming is the red tape. I know, a shocking response from team renegade. To have permission to label what you grow as organic requires farmers to wade through a lot of bureaucracy and expensive permits. Farmers then have to increase their prices to make up these ongoing expenses. These are just a few of the hidden fees behind the price of organic food that most people can't afford on a regular basis. And if people can't afford to buy what you're producing, how can you make a living?

Coming from a family of farmers, that article makes me sad. Although, I do recognize how expensive farming is to do. My uncles all have other jobs or businesses but they love farming. It's a lifestyle. All of my family that still farm together are so close with one another too.

Matt and I understand the struggle to start a farm. We've taken years to find affordable land and the expenses don't end there. We almost postponed having a family until we were set up but realized we might never have a family if we continued waiting.

I am hoping there is a movement afoot. That people are starting to understand CSA's and eating seasonally. That farmers can educate the masses to the benefits of locally grown food and supporting their home economies. That permaculture takes root and farmers can find methods of producing food without breaking the bank like most farmers are experiencing with traditional methods.

An additional side note, it's not just farmers struggling with this reality. Working for myself in graphic design and photography has been a constant struggle. Clients are always trying to pinch pennies and I am forced to work for low wages, or not at all. I had student loans following me around, and expensive gear to buy to run my business. And I'm sure there are more industries experiencing similar realities too. One has to wonder what's really going on. Why are so many business trying to operate on a shoestring budget? Why are consumers unable to afford locally grown and produced goods?

Thought provoking share! -Aimee