A group of local urban farmers is calling on area residents and policymakers to support farmers amid high food prices. Food prices are predicted to go up again in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Right now, prices are nearly 10% higher compared to the same time last year. Although, prices have not risen as sharply month by month compared to earlier last year.
Ahead of the spring growing season, area farmers are asking for support from residents, both as a way to support the local economy and the Miami Valley food system, which has been growing steadily within the last few years.
At a press conference at the Edgemont Solar Garden in Dayton, Ambassador Tony Hall said there needs to be more support for local growers. “The Miami Valley can create good jobs around healthy food, help the environment and become a more resilient community by supporting our local growers,” Hall said. Patti Allen, the program coordinator for the BIPOC Farming Network, said support goes a long way — especially for farmers of color.
“Historically, they have been marginalized and not had access to the resources that other farmers have had access to, including the support from the USDA,” Allen said. “And right now, because of the astronomical prices of food, I think food independence and being able to grow locally is key right now to addressing that problem.”
Read more at wyso.org