Idle hands, idle lands

Countries across the world are experiencing rising food prices. Among the factors driving the food prices is energy cost. Energy hits on two fronts: It is costing more to process food and it is also costing more to transport and distribute it.

The ethanol boom has driven corn prices over 70% last year alone. More land is being used to plant corn, and as such soybeans, wheat, oats, and barley prices have all gone up. In addition, higher corn prices mean higher prices for animals in the food chain that eat it - such as chickens, cows, and pigs. There are also increases in fertilizers and other resources required by farmers. These are all a part of a fundamentally inflationary environment.

I must also mention the "China effect" on energy prices. This also affects food. Food exports have grown as living standards in both China and India have risen. That is good for the economy but not for prices.

The question on everyone’s mind now is how do I feed myself and my family?

In times such as these we can choose from a few options which may include:
• Eating less
• Finding more economical substitutes
• Growing our own

I want to talk a little about the third option. One of my colleagues was quick to point out to me that the massive urbanization has contributed to far less persons growing what they eat.

As a child, I grew up seeing my father growing and producing almost everything we consumed. His list of cultivation included yam, banana, coco, pumpkin, fruits and vegetables. He would also rear goats, chickens, cows and pigs.

We in the Caribbean region have lost this fundamental principle, “Grow what we eat”. We have been blessed with beautiful sunshine for almost 365 days a year. We have good agricultural lands, and well capable hands. Yet we have become so dependent on someone else to feed us.

I am not for one minute purporting that growing our own will solve all our problems. But we would certainly be many times better off than we are today; economically and health wise.

At the end of the day, those who have the food dictate the terms. The supermarkets and grocery stores have become our “modern farming place.” If we have to go to Egypt for food, then it means we have not learned. Too many idle hands and too many idle lands in the Caribbean, starting with my native land Jamaica.