There are many reasons to move toward green farming practices for the long haul. At this point, sustainable farms are still on the margins of the industry, but that could change as more young people are looking for responsible sources of fresh and healthy produce.
In the years to come, more must be done to promote and stimulate green farming. This must be done through collaboration of market forces and the government. Transitions must be done gradually as well, so as not to damage the existing economy.
Market Forces
The first and simplest way to promote green farming is to use the forces of the market to your advantage. Simply put: if you purchase produce made by sustainable farms, they will continue to thrive. It can also be useful to help ventures on which sustainable farms rely, such as the local farmers market.
Loans
Every farmer needs the ability to secure a loan. As sustainable agriculture becomes a more mainstream venture, banks will be more easily convinced to provide better loan terms to farmers. Short term loans and credit lines are best suited to small farms, as they allow farmers to borrow only what they need, when they need it.
Cooperation
Sustainable farms are a great potential for cooperation with other local businesses. For instance, combining the work of cattle farmers and planters could be beneficial for both parties and for the environment itself, providing a source of eco-friendly fertilizer while also rendering cattle farms more sustainable in terms of the food they consume.
Small farmers should try to cooperate with vendors and suppliers as well, to share their vision of sustainability and eco-friendly practices. This is beneficial for both parties when it comes to financial support and company promotion.
The Government
Farming has always relied on governmental assistance. Many farming businesses are subsidized, benefitting from policies set to promote food production. This is now the case with green farming as well, since increased public support tends to result in governmental support. This is however the most controversial way to help farming businesses, as many smaller farms dread the effects government policies can have on the market.
Farm to Table
It is also important to showcase that the farming industry is about food, and that farmers who work in sustainable farming have close connections to local restaurants and markets. The farm-to-table approach is good promotion for both farmers and restaurants alike.
It also has benefits in terms of eco-friendliness, since these businesses must be based in the same area in order to properly collaborate.
Preaching What You Practice
It’s not enough to organize your fam in an eco-friendly, nor to offer produce that’s better than your competitors. You must also effectively promote your farm, therefore promoting the cause of sustainable agriculture. Such promotion means much more when it comes straight from those who work in the field.
Conclusion
Green farming is already more popular and more widely accepted than it was ever before. There are still ways to continue promoting the practice, however. Some are rather simple, while others will require more work and cooperation to achieve.