Words From Ken

Nature displays balance and moderation. Things are not created to excess or consumed to depletion, but tend to mix freely and evenly through time and space. There are relative high concentrations here and low concentrations there, but the pervading theme is that of diversification. Over the past decades we have experienced a trend toward bigness and specialization both in agriculture and urban institutions.

There has been an increasing isolation between producers and consumers. Small diversified farms and businesses have fallen as victims to the fanatic emphasis on yearly production of commodities, even at the expense of balance and stability. Huge monocultures are inducing gross local deficiencies of soil nutrients, massive infestations of harmful insects and disease, and unnatural local accumulations of toxic wastes. We cannot always leave everything in its completely natural state, but we must learn that the thoughtless manipulating of nature’s economy is sowing the seeds of disaster for present and future generations.

We might also observe that nature’s activities are cyclical and self-contained. There is neither an outside source of raw materials for production nor a reservoir of permanently discarded wastes, but there is a constant renewing from within. Again, both on farms and in cities, the trend has been toward production at the expense of that wholeness and integrity that is a prerequisite for a healthy, sustained activity. Our undertakings are producing a torrent in which our limited supplies of natural resources are being carried through our farms, factories and homes into our lakes and streams with no hope of useful recovery. Gas and oil, chemically produced sprays and fertilizers, textiles and even synthetic foods are being consumed at an enormous rate. We have gotten the idea that we can somehow stand outside of Nature and turn the crank of production and we are only beginning to learn that Nature is subtly turning the crank on us - large quantities of toxic materials are showing up in our food and water and in the air we breathe and are being linked to the diseases of civilization. As producers, we are finding less and less with which to produce and as consumers, we are being consumed by our own wastes.

There is an inherent beauty and harmony in Nature. This cannot be understood objectively; it is not a finite idea but it has been comprehended throughout time in the sensitivity of human beings. In past times, farmers, though often quite poor with respect to material wealth, were healthy, happy and rooted in their occupations, because farms were not only storehouses of life-sustaining skills and resources but sanctuaries of beauty and contentment. Now many farms are so specialized and intense in their activities that they are no longer able to provide wholesome, balanced environments which would attract and hold creative people.

There has been a mass exodus of young people from farms to cities, and the cities themselves have often grown and apparently thrived with a callous indifference to the beauty of Nature. Trees have fallen, hills have been leveled, streams driven underground and birds and animals chased from their habitats. How far can this go? We believe that “Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty” is more than poetic fancy; it recognizes the identity of beauty and life, and when this recognition fades from the heart of humankind, so will fade the vitality of civilization.

Would Nature let this happen? She is a stern teacher as we are learning and in the coming decade we may be facing some even more rigid lessons. Energy and food shortages, pollution, disease and general moral decay may certainly be factors in the near future. Agribusiness, industry, and even whole municipalities are beginning to struggle under increasing economic pressures. The whole American economy is faltering and no one can really say how and when it will improve. But we hope for the re-emergence of small businesses, farms and communities as a social and economic force. We believe that diversified organic farms can provide a stable, rich environment for people of all ages and capabilities and that strong and creative people on farms and in cities can learn to work together in harmony with Nature. Consumers are beginning to support small farms, stores and co-ops, and these in turn are showing real concern for consumers’ needs. Urban gardens and gardening projects are becoming practical. There is a growing interest in alternative energy sources and energy saving technology. Ecology-minded folks are fighting against pollution, recycling wastes and planting trees and flowers. We believe that these types of activities will thrive in the coming decade.

It’s a New Year. It is not just farmers who must question how will they have maintained the spark of creation in the activities of the past year; not just farmers who, looking out over snow-blown fields of stubble, begin to yearn for the warmth and stubble of coming Spring; not just farmers who will soon feel in their hearts the mystery of Nature’s finest lesson which is the gift of birth and renewal. From the creations of past years let us keep what is useful. From the dust of discarded ways let us renew our commitments to the life and well-being of future generations. And let us be sensitive to the wisdom and ever-present beauty of Nature which surrounds us, permeates us, and instructs us.

Happy New Year!