Chatham

Wishes For 2015

The first half of the first month of 2015 is now behind us, so we are about a 24th of the way through the year.
Are you making resolutions?

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Are you hoping for good things this year or are you pessimistic , expecting a struggle.
Personally I am not pessimistic but I try to temper boundless optimism with a dose of reality. Of course I don't even pretend to be able to predict where the markets will go because even if I had that skill there is too much going on in the world to make predictions easy.
As the year rolls along there are some things I would wish for my little corner of the world and for the agriculture sector.
That the support for local food continues. And that those who support it continue to do so but to understand that good food can come from all types of farms.
For those who tirelessly serve on boards and councils and volunteer groups that work for agriculture and their fellow farmers, some support.
I would wish that the many farmers who refuse to get involved in their boards have a change or heart and accept a role, and if they can't see fit to do that, at least consider that the board members they have are doing their best. If you can't work with them, don't work against them.
For government officials both elected and non-elected I would wish the wisdom to understand that decisions, especially those that affect food production and safety have to have a basis in fact and science.
For the farm organizations that deal with and lobby government agencies a realization that while science based decisions are essential, government officials, both elected and non-elected are dealing with a population that puts emotion and values ahead of science. Patience to all is needed.
For the hungry of the world I wish a speedy end to the inequities that leave some unable to afford even basic necessities while others wallow in excess. The world can produce the food. It's time everyone has a fair chance at getting some of it.

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