Family Farmers--Will There Be a Next Generation?
Organic Farming Research Foundation (research@ofrf.org)
Fri, 17 Sep 1999 11:09:52 -0700
Marian,
I have heard this same question many times and I find it very interesting
because I often see the other side of coin. I am 23, grew up in a large
suburb and I am dying to farm. I live in Santa Cruz and I know of so many
people my age who come from all different backgrounds (often non-farming)
who are so eager to farm and learn all they can. A lot of these people are
also struggling with the lack of available and affordable farmland. I know
that the situation here in California is very different than in other
regions of the country. But urban sprawl and a lack of family connections
is making it very difficult for this young generation of farmers to get a
foothold. Unless you have family financial support, or as Ann Clark
described, have already worked for awhile in a different business and saved
your money, you will be hard pressed to start a farm around here. I have
heard of organizations trying to connect young potential farmers to older
farmers who are retiring and have no family to pass the farm on to. I think
this is a wonderful way of dealing with these issues and would like to see
more of this happening.
Rebecca King
Organic Farming Research Foundation
P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
ph: (831) 426-6606 fax: (831) 426-6670
www.ofrf.org
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