Prerequisites for Reforms in the Local Food Movement

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Introduction

The geopolitical and ecological situation in the world drives people to the concept of using local products. Current environment circumstances urgently require a local food movement development in Texas. Events on the territory of Ukraine and sanctions against Russia sharply raise the question of the future of the supply of basic foodstuffs. According to the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Russia and Ukraine account for 24% of world wheat supplies. In addition, these countries supply 73% of sunflower oil to the world (Nature, 2022). Food prices in Europe and around the world are already breaking decade-long records, and the war will inevitably make food more expensive for two principal causes.

Three dozen European countries and almost 500 million of their inhabitants have barely recovered from the Covid-19 crisis. Armed conflict on the eastern borders promises disruptions in the products supply, a wave of refugees, and a surge in prices. It will inevitably affect America, including Texas, in the form of high prices and a shortage of fresh produce. The commodity market, in this case, needs to be transformed, aimed at supporting and using local products. This option is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than others. Urban agriculture can reflect different levels of economic and social development. It is a social movement for manufacturers and residents of metropolitan areas, which is most often founded by activists. For others, the industry is motivated by food security, nutritional quality, or income generation (Tollesfon, 2022). Direct access to fresh vegetables, fruits, or meat products through urban agriculture can significantly improve food security.

At the moment, the theme of the local food movement is still actively ongoing in Texas. The war crisis is an entirely new threat to product stability that has only recently begun to be debated. This concern goes far beyond the previous complications; comparing the current situation with Hardwick’s example is not entirely fit. The Town that Food Saved represents a great example of collective responsibility and motivation development, which also can be found in the currently discussed concern. However, considering recent events, the crisis will be resolved not only at the public level but at the state level. Therefore, all local movements have great chances for additional financial and motivational support from the authorities.

The Current Situation with the Adaptation of Agriculture to the Global Crisis

Texas began to consciously move toward supporting local products trend a long time ago. The general shift in focus towards environmentally sustainable practices has made many people feel responsible for their well-being and the well-being of others. First of all, this affects the most conscious part of the American community. New disciplines devoted to environmental friendliness and sustainable development are emerging in educational institutions (Tollesfon, 2022). Activists of local farmers and gardeners began to spread information about their achievements through the media, attracting new participants and consumers.

Recent events in Russia and Ukraine make the problem of food prices intractable not only from an ethical point of view but also from an economic one. It will force more people to pay attention to what is happening and look for alternative export options. The rupture of some foreign trade links may lead to the development of domestic production, for example, local farming. Organically grown nutrition cannot be chemically processed because it does not require to be ferried over extended lengths. Smaller farms frequently operate less fossil fuel power to transport foodstuffs (De Chabert-Rios & Deale, 2018). Fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits have a more pleasing taste. These are only a few causes why purchasing from a local farmer’s market is believed to be a sustainable action.

Challenges on the Way to Implement Changes in the Marketing and Agricultural Environment

In the way these ideas implementation, some problems may arise. The first concern is a misconception of the importance of proper nutrition. The balance of price and quality should be well combined; the analysis of the Texas market is required to conclude the whole market situation. At the moment, prices are much higher than buyers and even producers would like. The difference between the cost of organic and non-organic food should ideally be no more than 15-20% (De Chabert-Rios & Deale, 2018). It is possible, but this requires the development of the market, and the emergence of external factors, for example, support programs from the state. Organic milk production is 50% more expensive than classic milk production. If there are at least 3-5% organic producers in the market, then there will likely be a significant reduction in expenses (De Chabert-Rios & Deale, 2018). There is no real competition on the market yet; each manufacturer sets its own price.

Another concern lies in the general ignorance of the economic and environmental patterns that affect the transformation of food demand. Local food production is the best option for cost-effective high-quality food in the current climate and geopolitical situation. There are enough local settlers in Texas to grow healthy plants and organically clean food, but there are certain concerns regarding its availability. While large agro-companies easily acquire farming tax credits, urban small household farmsteads often do not suit the meaning of agricultural ground. Lack of consistency in regional health regulations makes it challenging for growers and chefs to comprehend what products are permitted, what has to be authorized, and what is not legal when marketing or allocating regional products (De Chabert-Rios & Deale, 2018). Thus, although farmers have the right to grow food, its distribution can be halted by imperfect local quality control.

Texas Attempts Towards the Local Food Movement

Texas makes many attempts to develop local agriculture and gardening. A successful example can be considered the Kingwood Farmer’s Market, which is famous for exceptionally fresh eggs, fruits and vegetables, homemade jams, and garden herbs (Kingwood Farmers Market, n.d.). On the network, users can discover numerous favorable reviews about the freshness and quality of products. Another example is the supply of Houston Farmers Market, which includes fresh garden herbs and craft meat (Houston Farmers Market, n.d.). A comparison of prices with the first option shows inflating the cost; however, this is one of the most realistic opportunities for buying an organic product for many residents of Texas. Other sites with fresh dairy, garden herbs, meat products, and vegetables are called Tomball Farmer’s Market (Tomball Farmer’s Market, n.d.) and Montgomery Farmers Market (Montgomery Farmer’s Market, n.d.). These are the places with the most stable prices and high-quality products that Texas actively uses. All the mentioned spots are fine examples of the local community integration into the products market intervention to increase the level of sustainability.

Personal Opinion on Social Changes in the Perception of Local Agriculture

I believe that this movement is good for the Texas area and is the best solution for the current state of affairs. Local food does not need to be transported far, wasting energy, fuel, and special materials for storage. Therefore, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of mankind. It benefits the local economy, including support for local farmers and other producers. In the face of a possible food crisis, the existence of community gardens and farms is a real matter of survival. In addition, a common cause occupies people and unites their interests and efforts in the name of a common goal. The movement for agricultural change is the great hope for ethical and healthy change in society. Agriculturalists’ markets have more outstanding transparency and a briefer chain between nutrition distribution and customer, assembling them a more morally strong option for buyers.

Conclusion

The current military crisis may soon cause an additional food crisis. It is very unfortunate, especially for low average income countries, where people spend most of the family budget on food. The world has barely recovered from Covid-19 and last year’s drought, so food prices were breaking records without a war. The crisis can be helped by active financial and ethical investment in the local food movement. Its main purpose can be overshadowed by severe obstacles, including the cost of food and regulation of the distribution of local products to the population. The reason for organic products’ high prices is an undeveloped market that dictates high prices. However, the higher cost of organic raw materials does not proportionally increase the price of the final product. This topic should be well developed and further explored for the subsequent transformation of the market for the client. I believe that organic products should be available to everyone. It is not a premium class product as the current market tries to make it out to be.

References

Houston Farmers Market. (n.d.). Houston Farmers Market.

Montgomery Farmer’s Market. (n.d.). Montgomery Farmer’s Market.

The War in Ukraine is Exposing Gaps in the World’s Food-Systems Research. (2022). Nature.

Tomball Farmer’s Market. (n.d.). Tomball Farmer’s Market.

Visit the Farmers Market. (n.d.). Kingwood Farmers Market.

De Chabert-Rios, J., & Deale, C. S. (2018). Taking the local food movement one step further: An exploratory case study of hyper-local restaurants.Tourism and Hospitality Research, 18(3), 388–399.

Tollesfon, J. (2022). What the war in Ukraine means for energy, climate and food. Nature, 604, 232-233.

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