Gerald Celente, founder of the Trends Institute who correctly predicted the 1987 Stock Market crash and the break- up of the Soviet Union years before these events occurred , also predicted that by the 21st. century, organic microfarms of ten acres or less would begin to challenge the food-giants.
According to the USDA , farmers' markets, one of the main outlets for small organic farms , grew in record numbers , increasing by 63 percent by the end of the last century.
That increase grew to 79 percent in the last nine years of the 21st. century.
The Rodale Institute reported that community supported agriculture , a form of small sustainable farming, was booming across America.
Meanwhile, the Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association reported up to 75 calls per day from people looking to connect with a small , local farmer.
Today, many people are realizing that corporate agribusiness is failing them when it comes to obtaining fresh, healthy foods. The gaps the industrial farms are leaving are fast being filled by the local growers.
In her book , " Micro Eco-Farming , Prospering From Backyard To Small Acreage In Partnership With The Earth ", Barbara Adams writes: " The term "micro eco-farm ," sprang from this change in farmers. From urban lots to small town backyards to rural small acreage , this term is the umbrella for highly abundant , constantly improving , ecologically operated microfarms that produce a mix of fruits , vegetables, herbs, grains , nuts , mushrooms , flowers , fibers , craft materials , organic, pasture - fed dairy products , farm-crafted creations , and farming eduction and experiences... All are sustainable in a variety of ways and are taking traditional organic production to new levels."
The beauty of the micro-farm model is the almost endless variety of niches that can be implemented and monetized. In the small town that I live in , every neighbor down my street could put up a large hoop house to grow out any number of crops , and there would still be zero competition. Of course if we were all growing the same crop, Arkansas Traveler tomatoes for instance , we might not all be able to come together at the same farmer's market and make a profit .
However, with a little imagination , even if everyone in my neighborhood were growing the same tomato variety , one neighbor could take his tomatoes and create a fresh salsa to market. Another could take his tomatoes to a nearby large city and sell them fresh off the vine. The point is, even if my neighborhood all decided to grow the same crop, there are enough ways to diversify the crop to make it profitable for each micro-farmer involved in the process.
Using raised bed techniques and drip irrigation it is nothing short of incredible how many farm crops can be grown in a small space. As the soil is enriched year by year in these raised beds by implementing cover crops and good composting practices the land and crops get more abundant as time passes.
The micro-farmer doesn't compete with the " mass produced , " under priced products , he only sells his quality, nutritious, and fresh produce to a local niche market for a premium price.
Barbara Adams writes :" Micro eco-farms fill in spaces that larger sized farms don't attend to.They are backyards, vacant lots, or their family"s own small acreage. As they grow in number, it is anyone's guess as to what type of new economical foundation they could create. "
You can check out Barbara Adams book , Micro - Eco-Farming here and read about some inspiring examples of people who have taken the initiative to dive into micro-farming full time and with great success.
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