grown. Commercial farming has pushed out many family-owned farms, and large commercial farm operators are of- ten more interested in quantity than in quality. A handful of North Carolinians are working to make a difference. Crop Mobs are groups of mostly 20-something volunteers who promote organic and sustainable farming by helping local farmers through a work exchange system. These volunteers periodically gather at local farms to put in a day of hard manual labor making immediate improvements. These land- less farmers, apprentices, interns and the “agricurious” comprise a remark- ably effective traveling work party, often assisted by experienced farmers and gardeners eager to share their know- how with the next generation. The “Mob” recruits new members and shares upcoming events on so- cial networking sites. Using an email listserv, they send members information on the next event. Upon arriving at the farm, the Mobbers are split into groups, each focusing on assigned tasks such as weeding, mulching, prepping garden beds, bringing in the harvest or even caring for livestock. One volunteer found the work
rewarding, “Knowing I put in a hard day of work is very satisfying. Farming really teaches you what hard work is.” For another, it is in knowing the food being produced has been raised and
The Crop Mobbers Are Here! F
by sasha iliev
or many, it’s difficult to buy fresh produce without questioning the quality and wondering how it was
harvested naturally and safely. A local college student, Laura became inter- ested in volunteering with Crop Mob in response to her concern about corrupt agricultural practices, “I’m very interest- ed in the entire food system of America. I’m a huge advocate for small-scale, local, sustainable farms.” Like many volunteers with Crop Mob, she hopes to have a farm of her own someday where she can contribute to the sustainable farming movement. Volunteers for Crop Mob come
from all walks of life; they’re farmers, “wannabe” farmers, gardeners, college students - anyone looking to get their hands dirty for one day, once a month.
Stories about the North Carolina based organization have been featured in the New York Times and L.A. Times and on the internet. Crop Mobs have popped up across the state, and, thanks to all the publicity, the idea is spreading to other states. For the volunteers, how- ever, it is not about the national atten- tion – it is about improving the quality of food, helping small farmers succeed, and building community. For one 23-yearold farmer, farming has been in the family for generations. “It’s nearly impossible for small farmers to make it; what these volunteers are doing for the local farmers is incred- ible. They are showing people how to
it is about improving the quality of food, helping small-farmers succeed, and building community.
They each share in interest in ethical farming and helping the local commu- nity. In order for a farm to be visited by the volunteers, it must engage in safe and healthy agricultural practices. This requires minimal use of heavy machin- ery and prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Furthermore, livestock must be raised ethically and in humane conditions. Essentially, this is taking farming back to its roots. The volunteers at Crop Mob are working together to make a differ- ence in the farming industry; it is farm- ing “done the right way.” Their vision is spreading fast.
appreciate how much hard work goes into this and hopefully starting a new movement that supports family-owned farms and sustainable practices.” At the end of the work day partici- pants gather to enjoy a meal prepared with ingredients fresh from the farm, share laughs, exchange ideas and make new friends. No money is exchanged; it’s the stuff communities are made of. Anyone can join, and everyone is wel- come. Visit the website,
www.cropmob. org for information, or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Groups. Events are held each month during the spring, summer, and autumn.
natural awakenings
July 2010
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