The Politics of Food

IS THIS REALLY AGRICULTURE, OR MERELY AG-GRAVATING?

Aloha local food enthusiasts! We are so glad to have this forum to discuss what local food security/ sovereignty really means, and what necessary steps we need to take to achieve it. Today's Maui News contained an article about the continuing decline in our water reservoirs, despite nominal relief from some trade wind rain showers. The article, linked here, also revealed that of 2,900 acres recently harvested by Hawaiian Cane & Sugar, only 400 acres can be replanted until there's sufficient rain to provide enough water to keep the seed cane growing. It is troubling to think that 2,500 acres may be barren (note photo with MN article) and susceptible to trade winds erosion, or possibly storm runoff should big rain come our way. I have one word for the head honchos at HC&S.....DIVERSIFY. In these changing times, there is great wisdom in growing food on plantation acreage-- it provides more jobs, may use less water, can help repair the depleted soil, and of course helps address FOOD SECURITY. Please do whatever you can to help influence others to shift the dinosaur local sugar industry into a new 21st century paradigm for growing food.

Another article in the Sunday Maui News highlighted the difference between candidate hopefuls for the Lanai residency seat for Maui County Council. Sol Kaho`ohalahala previously served as Lanai councilman before leaving to serve in the state legislature, and then as head of the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission. In the article about the two Lanai candidates, he clearly stated that his focus would be on a diversified, sustainable economy through renewable energy, while also looking to identify lands for local food production. Candidate John Ornellas said that he believes this campaign is about our economy, "it's about jobs." He called for more money to support the Maui Visitors Bureau. [ Currently MVB receives $3.8 million yearly, far more than any other county in Hawaii.] As we suggested in this blog a month ago, before the primary election.....vote for candidates who will support food security!

On the national political front, there has been little discussion of the need to revitalize our nation's approach to growing food, including the recent passage of the Farm Bill that was heavy on support for corporate agribusiness and subsidies for corn-ethanol biofuels. One voice that has called to bring the food issue into our national consciousness is that of Michael Pollan, noted author of In Defense of Food, and The Omnivore's Dilemma. Mark Sheehan forwarded Michael's recent NY Times article, Dear Mr. Next President, ----Food, Food, Food. The sub-headline of the article is, "We must move into the post-oil era to improve the health of American people and to mitigate climate change."  In other words, we need to concentrate on Soil, Not Oil.

Here's a quick reminder to let us know what resources you  may have that may help contribute to this blog. Our collective strength is through understanding our connections with one another, and with the diverse and amazing eco-systems in the world surrounding us. Please take time to register comments on this site, and to let us know how we may be more effective in our combined efforts to support education and advocacy for growing more food locally.

Mahalo, malama pono,

ROB