Farming for a Paycheck New Methods of Farming

CSA Community Supported Agriculture  Individual members buy shares in the farm in the winter and early spring in exchange for weekly produce or meat  Started based on concerns for food safety  Many in Maine including 3 in Scarborough

Risks: can’t always find members, can’t produce items out of season, problems if you have taken money and crops don’t produce Benefits: Members share the risk of the farm, usually allows a farm to grow multiple crops which cuts down on pesticide use, cuts out the middle man so profits are increased-low to no transportation costs, better relationships with customer, free labor from members

Genetically Modified Crops Can eliminate use of pesticides in Bt corn Can eliminate weeds if they are made “Roundup Ready” Uses less herbicides/pesticides Creates higher yields-more money per acre Still need lots of fertilizer Farmers must buy new seeds each year

Moves genes from different organisms into the plants Can alter taste, size, shape, properties Most of the corn in U.S. is genetically modified No known health impacts but there are allergy concerns Cons: can scare consumers/protests, pests can become resistant

Organic Farms Uses natural weed and insect controls-NO synthetic chemicals Uses manure as a fertilizer Must think and plan the field-education needed Can get more money per crop for organic- consumers want chemical free Sometimes uses a variety of plants to protect the soil and prevent pests-preserves biodiversity

Pros: reduces pollution runoff, healthier and has more minerals, drought resistant Cons: harder to mass produce-more expensive, takes time to get certified organic, no government subsidies