"These are people who will do anything, and we mustn't be optimistic about their character." - Wendell Berry, speaking about agribusiness corporations

I admit that I'm afraid. I think it started when I read Joel Salatin's book Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal: War Stories From the Local Food Front. At least, that's when I realized the full scope of what I was getting myself into.

We became interested in farming as a result of our disgust with the American food system. We attribute our people's decline in health to be directly correlated with the decline in food quality. The pursuit of money through shortcuts is killing us and our environment. Never-ending chemical sprays. High density animal feedlots. Genetic engineering. It all goes against the nature of Nature to wring more dollars out of the public.

As a response, we decided to start farming in the opposite direction and support what we valued in food. Care. Flavor. Respect.

But, as I learned from Salatin, my actions are a threat to the singular vision of Corporate America and their allies in government. Time after time, small farmers who produce healthy foods are being harassed by government officials who do not share their vision. Another book, The Raw Milk Revolution: Behind America's Emerging Battle Over Food Rights, is showing me just how far the government will go to protect their corporate friends/donors.

You might be familiar with the case of Percy Schmeiser. If not, run a quick search on him. It will strike fear into your heart and shake your sense of justice.

While I am afraid of the threats facing people who value their food freedoms, I am glad to have friends who support us and our farm. They remind me why we need to continue our pursuit of pure, real food. I am proud to work for their trust, health and freedom.

-Brian