I am on a quest. I call it a quest since in the common terminology; a quest is an exploration of magnitude and quite often involves setting goals, engaging in a search, enduring some trials along the way and, if the quest is successful, involves being rewarded at the end. The reward that I seek from this quest is not treasure or fame. The only reward I desire is being able to be a part of a significant transformation, or re-invention of a significant component of our food system: the re-introduction of local grain. A person who embarks on a quest alone is asking to fail. Cooperation among those with a variety of knowledge is the only way.
I feel such a transition will be both challenging and inspiring. Challenging because it will involve thinking about what we are willing to trade in order to practically challenge the way our grains are produced and transported. Inspiring because I feel it will be an exercise that involves forming a network of people who find pride in proactively forming a locally-based ‘grain chain’. When the globetrotting system of our food ‘products’ breaks down because it cannot sustain itself the chain itself and the idea of this type of arrangement will not come as a shock to the larger population. People will be able to say “Local grains are possible and practical. Sure it costs a little more in the short run, but I can get a loaf of bread at Bakery X that was made from wheat or rye grown organically in Mission. This close-to-home system is something we ought strive for further in coming times”.
Local food is given a social relationship when it based in a local region and perceived as a necessary ecological and cultural component of that region. The excitement of moving products around the globe and gratifying ourselves with any taste sensation we want whenever we want it has taught us to overlook the potentials of our own local circumference; also known by some as a bioregion. Bioregionalism is by some standards, a theory of living and exchanging fairly (with both other people and the surrounding ecology) that is ‘place based’ or in other words, has boundaries. In direct opposition to the dominant food system which has neither allegiance to or is limited by regional, national or continental boundaries, Bioregionalism involves consuming and producing with the idea of ‘place’ in mind and therefore is a most appropriate theory to apply to the idea of a local grain movement. In this new food system, the choice for local grains is there. Right now, it’s not even an option because of the pressure and expectations put on the local system by its ‘subservient’ role in the global one.
It is not in our history to be so separated from our food. This public dialoguing space may be only a ‘drop in the bucket’ in terms of how we really make this happen. However, I believe that it is a drop that will coalesce with others through time to quench the thirst of a parched system searching for a way to adapt to and confront the challenges posed by the future of our food system. Collaboration and networking will turn theory to practice and longevity is key to keeping the momentum alive as part of the ‘permanent landscape’ rather than a passing phase.
