A study recently published in the first issue of the scientific journal, The Lancet Planetary Health, concludes that large and small farms will be needed to meet the global demand for food, which is estimated to require a 70 percent boost in production by the 2050s.That study says small farms are essential in low- and middle-income countries, while surpluses from larger farms can help with scarcity hotspots. The study also highlights the need for crop and livestock diversity.
Morgan Milne is the owner and operator of a small farm; you may have seen Red Beard Farms credited on Wilmington menus as the source of the produce on your plate.Milne started his operation in Castle Hayne in New Hanover County and ultimately moved to Willard – which is in Pender County.And he is with us today to talk about what it’s like to be a small farmer, how he wound up growing crops when he started out college life as a pre-med student, and why he says local farmers markets need more public support.
Resources:
- Feast Down East has a comprehensive list of local food resources on the "Eat Local" page, including restaurants, farmers markets, local seafoood retailers, caterers, and more.
- Humble Roots Farm
- Humble Roots Buying Club