When we look closely at the food system in Ireland and Clonmel, we can see that a lot of what we eat is delivered from far away, relying on a global network of lorries, ships and even aeroplanes. Even food that is produced quite locally relies on fossil fuels for powering farm machinery and making fertilisers and pesticides. The system that finances global intensive food production and supply chains is vulnerable to credit freezes.
Having a rich variety of food to eat is essential for our health. In Ireland, most of our agriculture is based on growing grass, to feed cows and cattle. These then provide us with dairy products and beef. Much less of the land is used for producing grain, and still less for vegetables and fruit – most of these are imported. This system is very vulnerable to national and global shocks, such as bad weather in a grain-producing country, an oil crisis, or port blockade. Our supermarkets rely on ‘just-in-time’ delivery of goods, many of which come from abroad.
If you are interested in what a resilient local food system might look like, contact us and let us know, or pop a message onto the forum. The world is our oyster (though maybe not in Clonmel just yet!)…allotments, community gardens, garden-share, community-supported agriculture, lettuce and herbs in a window-box…share your ideas! Have a look at the permaculture links for some new ideas.
