Scale Matters

The industrialization of our foodsystems is a lose/lose situation for family farmers, the way our food is produced, the way animals are treated and the environment. This same concept is being applied to commercial fishing. It is considered economically efficient to have just a few big producers/big boats provide all the food consumed in this country. But the tolls on the land, people and animals (including) fish is horrific! If only a few multi-national companies control the food chain we are is a frighting situation indeed. They are in control, not us. One way to make a difference is to vote with you wallet. Get involved with farmers markets, CSA's (community supported agriculture) and the newest offering CSF's (community supported fishing), by making a conscious and educated decision to eat local we are in some small part trying to stem the tide of big business telling us what to eat. In the case of commercial fishing does it make more sense to have one big boat that supports only a few economically rather than twenty smaller boats supporting an entire community? We as a country need to get back to our roots. Eating local and in season whenever possible. This includes our seafood choices. If you live near the coast get to know your local fishermen and discover the joys of eating a truly fresh fish. Trust me it is nothing like the supermarket offers! Join a CSF (community supported fishery)which is based on the highly successful CSA model. CSF's are springing up all over the country in coastal communities. In the Northeast we have Port Clyde Fresh Catch located in Maine, In Massachusetts folks can get involved through Cape Ann Fresh Catch and in North Carolina there is Walking Fish, just to name a few. More and more are being created every day. A little research will find you a terrific product the supports community fishermen trying to make a difference! Shrimp is one of the highest consumed seafood products in the United States. Yet most of it is imported farm raised products. These products are filled with chemicals and additives, antibiotics, color enhancers, human rights violations and are detrimental to the the environment. We have in this country terrific wild caught products that are available to the consumer. From Maine to the Gulf Coast and beyond. Read packages, if it is imported don't eat it! It's a wonder that stuff doesn't glow in the dark.By making just a few small chances we can help restore our oceans and fishing and farming communities. Get involved. This is good food, good for you and good for the environment.