The Greenhorns mission statement asserts: 'We recognise that we are the inheritors of a system in crisis.' Severine remarks that, in the US, 'the ghettoisation of family-scale agriculture is such that there's a lot of fixing to do'. As a result many Greenhorns are taking charge of land that has lain derelict or neglected. Smaller plots not suitable for large conventional farms are perfect for the 'ninja' approach advocated by the movement. This involves strategised polycultural growing aimed at specific local markets. Box-schemes are a perfect example of this. Many are also concentrating on getting high-quality fresh food to poorer areas traditionally disenfranchised of the chance to eat well.
As well as isolating viable and underexplored markets, farming in a way that is bioregionally appropriate is fundamental, says Severine. It's all about 'tuning in to your microclimate and working with the genius of your place'. This practice not only helps give local flavour, but also preserves biodiversity and rare crops.
Equally important is to work with those who already inhabit and farm in that place. Severine affirms that 'transfer of knowledge between the generations is crucial. It's essential for young farmers to respect and work with the older, experienced farmers, and to become part of the rural community'.
Campaigning for change
Have there already been situations when young farmers have appeared right next-door to old-school giant monocropping operations? What have the reactions been? 'Although some are threatened by it, overall there's been a big welcoming; most of the older generation are jumping out of their socks to see young people interested in agriculture, even though they're all growing GMO corn.'
The latest project from the Greenhorns is Serve Your Country Food. This is an easy-access way for young and new farmers to show their colours. An interactive map of the US allows you to place a green dot at the location of your farm. A red dot signifies a 'nomad', journeyman farmer or 'farmer-in-waiting', someone still learning or looking for land. The visualisation of intention afforded by these red dots is significant to the endeavour.
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