Economos: Farming Isn’t Just Rural – It’s Everyone’s Business

By James P. Economos, DDS, Opinion Contributor

There is a fine group of women who have come together to form “Green Table Talks.” This dedicated team is working hard to promote farming and agricultural awareness among people living in Chicago and other urban areas. Their mission is both timely and important, and it deserves support from leaders in both political parties as well as from city residents who are new to agriculture.

One of their goals is to purchase a small farm near Chicago where urban residents can learn firsthand about agriculture and its challenges. This vision is not only practical but also necessary.

The reality is that many urban residents – especially policymakers – have had little to no exposure to agriculture while growing up. As a result, they often make political decisions that directly affect farming without a real understanding of what’s at stake. A deeper awareness of agricultural issues would benefit everyone, especially as our food systems grow more complex.

Take one example: back in 2011, Congress introduced the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act in response to an EPA proposal to regulate “dust” created by normal farming activity. Regulating something as natural and unavoidable as farm dust was not only impractical but revealed just how out of touch some policymakers can be with the realities of agriculture.

Of course, it’s natural that people raised in different environments – urban or rural – will not share the same experiences or perspectives. But that is exactly why organizations like Green Table Talks matter. They are building bridges between two very different worlds and helping people appreciate the unique contributions each makes.

Green Table Talks is doing vital work in connecting urban residents to farming and food production. Their efforts deserve encouragement, visibility, and financial support.

To learn more – or to help support their mission – please visit greentabletalk.org.