The recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Georgia, a state that produces 15% of the nation’s poultry and eggs, has once again highlighted the inherent risks of factory farming. The Georgia Department of Agriculture was forced to suspend all poultry-related activities, including sales and exhibitions, after confirming a case in a commercial operation. This drastic measure was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, which has already led to the depopulation of infected flocks. The immediate consequence of such outbreaks is a potential increase in poultry and egg prices due to reduced supply, directly impacting consumers across the country. Factory farming, with its high-density animal populations, becomes a hotbed for disease transmission, demonstrating its vulnerability and the subsequent economic repercussions for both producers and consumers when outbreaks occur.
However, this scenario also presents an opportunity to pivot towards more resilient food systems. In St. Francois County, Missouri, we are witnessing a counter-narrative to the centralized, large-scale agriculture model. Here, local food producers are not just surviving; they are thriving in ways that benefit the community directly. Local farms offer a buffer against such large-scale disruptions due to their scale, diversity, and often more stringent biosecurity measures.
To harness this local strength, we are compiling a comprehensive directory of food producers in St. Francois County. Our aim is to connect consumers directly with farmers, enhancing food security and resilience. By supporting these local producers, not only do you get farm-fresh products with a lower carbon footprint, but you also contribute to a local economy that can better withstand national or global food supply shocks. We invite all local farmers, from the backyard chicken keeper to the small dairy farm, to join this directory. Together, we can promote a sustainable, community-driven food system where farm-to-table isn’t just a trend but a practical response to the challenges of our time. If you know of or are part of a local farm, please reach out or tag them in our social media post so we can include them in our directory. Let’s make local eating a cornerstone of food resilience in St. Francois County.