Meaning Of Civic Agriculture

Civic agriculture, a term most are not familiar with or understand the meaning. I can say, I was not fully aware of what civic agriculture was and how much it affected agriculture, rural communities, mid-size farms, and so much more, until I read Farms, Farmers, and Farming in Contemporary Rural Society. In this chapter Thomas Lyson explained, shared many examples, theories, and the meaning of civic agriculture. Thomas Lyson is one of the leading American Advocates of “civic agriculture”. Lyson refers to civic agriculture, “as a local embedding of agricultural and food production practices as a means of identifying practices that are economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable” (Lyson, 2001). Lyson argues that civic agriculture …show more content…
This is very important because agriculture is always facing many challenges. For example, there long-term decline of the farm population. It is hard for farmers to be able to make a living off of just farming, they are unable to make a big enough profit to provide for themselves but also their families. According to the US Census the number of farm residents dropped from 31 million in 1920 to 2.1 million in 2007 (U.S Census, 2009). A few other big issues facing agriculture right now are farm consolidation, agricultural concentration, and industrialization. Small scale farmers who engage in selling goods to there local community’s food markets leads to and strengthens social ties and even that small town feel. Which could lead to more community members who will support agriculture programs such as the farmer’s markets, and other programs that civic agriculture provides. There was a study done on over 1,300 people. The study included civic agriculture participants, and then those who were not. During the studied they compared the behavior of how one will act now but also in the future in the civic agriculture. The results showed that there are higher levels in voluntarism, engagement in local politics among civic agriculture, and more community involvement among those who support civic agriculture (Horn, 2011). Being involved in civic agriculture is a way to show your community you are dedicated, and then they can show their appreciation by buying your goods. This is what I like about civic agriculture. Another type of program that civic agriculture is apart of in many places is the farm to school programs. During these programs they supply fresh fruits and vegetables to cafeterias to feed the students of the school. Which I find is a huge way to help the community, you are serving students of the community who may not be as well off and it could be there only meal during that day.