A Small Farm Future

Synopsis

A modern classic of the new agrarianism

"Chris Smaje...shows that the choice is clear. Either we have a small farm future, or we face collapse and extinction."-Vandana Shiva

"Every young person should read this book."-Richard Heinberg

In a groundbreaking debut, farmer and social scientist Chris Smaje argues that organizing society around small-scale farming offers the soundest, sanest and most reasonable response to climate change and other crises of civilisation-and will yield humanity's best chance at survival.

Drawing on a vast range of sources from across a multitude of disciplines, A Small Farm Future analyses the complex forces that make societal change inevitable; explains how low-carbon, locally self-reliant agrarian communities can empower us to successfully confront these changes head on; and explores the pathways for delivering this vision politically.

Challenging both conventional wisdom and utopian blueprints, A Small Farm Future offers rigorous original analysis of wicked problems and hidden opportunities in a way that illuminates the path toward functional local economies, effective self-provisioning, agricultural diversity and a shared earth.

Perfect for readers of both Wendell Berry and Thomas Piketty, A Small Farm Future is a refreshing, new outlook on a way forward for society-and a vital resource for activists, students, policy makers, and anyone looking to enact change.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Case for Small Farms

* Summary:
* Small farms play a crucial role in food security, biodiversity, and community resilience.
* Industrial agriculture has led to environmental degradation, health concerns, and economic disparities.
* Real Example:
* A small farm in Vermont that raises organically certified produce and livestock, providing fresh, local food to the community and supporting local businesses.

Chapter 2: The Basics of Small Farming

* Summary:
* Covers essential aspects of starting and running a small farm, including sourcing land, financing, and choosing crops and livestock.
* Real Example:
* A farmer who transitioned from corporate finance to small-scale dairy farming in Wisconsin, leveraging her business background to manage operations and marketing.

Chapter 3: Soil Fertility and Organic Practices

* Summary:
* Emphasizes the importance of maintaining soil health through organic practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting.
* Real Example:
* A regenerative farm in California that uses rotational grazing, no-till farming, and cover crops to enhance soil biodiversity and improve crop yields.

Chapter 4: Climate Change and Small Farms

* Summary:
* Explores the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change for small farms.
* Real Example:
* A farmer in Maine who uses floating greenhouses to adapt to rising sea levels and extend growing seasons.

Chapter 5: Direct Marketing and Value-Added Products

* Summary:
* Discusses the importance of building strong relationships with consumers through direct marketing channels and adding value to farm products.
* Real Example:
* A family farm in Oregon that hosts farm tours, sells CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares, and produces value-added products like jams and pickles.

Chapter 6: Farmland and Community Planning

* Summary:
* Highlights the need to protect farmland and foster farm-to-table connections within communities.
* Real Example:
* A community in Iowa that established a land trust to preserve farmland for future generations of farmers.

Chapter 7: Policy and Financing for Small Farms

* Summary:
* Examines government policies and financing options that can support small farmers.
* Real Example:
* A farmer in Montana who received a loan from the USDA to purchase land and establish a sustainable beef operation.

Chapter 8: Education and Infrastructure

* Summary:
* Discusses the importance of agricultural education, technical assistance, and infrastructure for small farms.
* Real Example:
* A university extension program that provides training and support for new and beginning farmers, helping them develop successful farming practices.

Chapter 9: The Future of Small Farms

* Summary:
* Explores the potential and challenges facing small farms in the coming years, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration.
* Real Example:
* A network of small farms in the Midwest that cooperative to share resources, marketing, and equipment, strengthening their collective operations.