Silly question. Of course not, around the world many areas once farmed are no longer farmed. Certainly many small farms have been consolidated into what one could call “mega-centers of agricultural production.” In fact, after the transformations of the last century, it is amazing how few persons are needed to feed the masses. But with the rampant urbanization over the same period many other farms have been simply abandoned and a way of life has changed drastically.
Some lands are abandoned because they are difficult to work, not at all suitable for modern machinery or perhaps not productive enough to provide the farmer the income necessary to live by today’s standards. Often the labor force is no longer available.
When the Casa Cares Children’s Home moved to the I Graffi farm in January 1971, there was no desire or plan to take up farming. Simply, a place to stay was needed for 45 persons who were being forced to leave their home in Florence. There was no farmer among them. Fortunately a local farmer agreed to help in the first years in Reggello and the responsibility has passed to others. There was Gioele and Mimmo, then various volunteers (don’t forget Emiliano!), and now Luca, one who knows how to hoe and also how to present and promote organic farming.
Now we are in a crisis—Luca is leaving. After decades of intense physical labor, Luca has concluded that his back problems force him to leave us. Of course we shall count on his friendship, the programs for the public that he has offered, and some form of consultation for his successor. That successor right now is Giordano, the only young local fellow we know who not only can but actually wants to garden. A rarity!
Food and its production are windows to the world: health, economics, justice, environment, diversity, spirituality. Part of the excitement of having a farm comes from confronting issues of objectives, priorities, approach, labor, and cost. The land for us is a big commitment of time and energy. There are endless projects, including the firewood, care of the decorative garden, the vegetable garden, the fruit trees, and of course primarily the olives.
In the past a couple times we have tried to initiate a special fund for the land, but it has never materialized. We simply pass resources as available and necessary, whether volunteer time or purchases. And we plan to continue to do so. It may be a losing battle under some perspectives, but, as said in Italian, non si può fare a meno, it’s has to be done. It is an integral part of our life, purpose and offer at Casa Cares.
Some lands are abandoned because they are difficult to work, not at all suitable for modern machinery or perhaps not productive enough to provide the farmer the income necessary to live by today’s standards. Often the labor force is no longer available.
When the Casa Cares Children’s Home moved to the I Graffi farm in January 1971, there was no desire or plan to take up farming. Simply, a place to stay was needed for 45 persons who were being forced to leave their home in Florence. There was no farmer among them. Fortunately a local farmer agreed to help in the first years in Reggello and the responsibility has passed to others. There was Gioele and Mimmo, then various volunteers (don’t forget Emiliano!), and now Luca, one who knows how to hoe and also how to present and promote organic farming.
Now we are in a crisis—Luca is leaving. After decades of intense physical labor, Luca has concluded that his back problems force him to leave us. Of course we shall count on his friendship, the programs for the public that he has offered, and some form of consultation for his successor. That successor right now is Giordano, the only young local fellow we know who not only can but actually wants to garden. A rarity!
Food and its production are windows to the world: health, economics, justice, environment, diversity, spirituality. Part of the excitement of having a farm comes from confronting issues of objectives, priorities, approach, labor, and cost. The land for us is a big commitment of time and energy. There are endless projects, including the firewood, care of the decorative garden, the vegetable garden, the fruit trees, and of course primarily the olives.
In the past a couple times we have tried to initiate a special fund for the land, but it has never materialized. We simply pass resources as available and necessary, whether volunteer time or purchases. And we plan to continue to do so. It may be a losing battle under some perspectives, but, as said in Italian, non si può fare a meno, it’s has to be done. It is an integral part of our life, purpose and offer at Casa Cares.
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