LOCAL CHOICES

Anderson Almonds is a thriving Organic Almond farm in Hilmar, California. Not only do they supply almonds locally but they export them to many parts of the world. They have 20 acres of Organic almonds that Glenn Anderson lovingly takes care of on a family farm that is about 100 years old. Glenn and his family have also grown fruit trees on the property so that they can pick something fresh and ripe everyday of the year. We had a chance to share ideas and learn more about Organic farming while sipping some hot tea with Glenn on his patio. Tippie and Lonnie his “guard dogs” joined in relaxing under our feet.

Glenn shared with us that that market access is one of the biggest challenges facing small farmers. Our society is changing its eating habits and small farmers need to be aware of the vast number of sub cultures evolving around eating healthy. Raw Foodists, Vegans and Vegetarians are demanding more fresh, local and Organic products and there is a need for small farmers to connect with them and provide them with what they want.

“Most farmers have focused on High Volume Orientation rather then quality and sustainability,” says Glenn. “Our world is aspiring for more, more, and more with diminishing resources – these two ideas do not lead to success. Even the basics from the farm have changed.” We look across the way where there was a field planted with a feed mixture for a nearby dairy. “I have watched this field many times, do you know the cycle of this field? This field is prepared for planting by a very large tractor, then seeded by a machine, then irrigated, then cut by a machine, then chopped by a machine, then transfer to the storage area by a machine, then another machine loads it to be put into another machine to feed it, then it is feed to the cattle that go into a barn to be milked by a machine. All that diesel fuel, all those huge tractors, over and over again.”

Our thought….. is this the way it should be? Or has to be?

Treat yourself to a visit with Glenn at www.andersonalmonds.com. You won’t be disappointed!