Missouri farmers find new ways to become profitable
By Chris Matthews

Sustainable agriculture provides alternative markets for Missouri farms, according to MU Rural Sociology Professor Mary Hendrickson.

Hendrickson, associate director of the Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture Program, helps Missouri farmers sell their products and maintain their rural lifestyle in a time when the face of agriculture is changing.

The Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture program describes sustainable agriculture as relying more on the actual farmers and less on industry farming. It supports family farms, conservation of natural resources, local food systems and opportunities for future generations of farmers.

Hendrickson said the early 1980s were really tough on farmers and many were not able to stay in the business.

Smaller farmers have had to rely more on innovative markets that are different from traditional agricultural markets. Examples include fish farming, range-fed cattle and organic crops that are not enhanced by chemicals. Hendrickson said there is a demand for sustainable products.

“Columbia is a vibrant place to be,” when it comes to sustainable agriculture, Hendrickson said.

She said the popularity of the Columbia Farmer’s Market along with local stores such as the Root Cellar show that Columbia is involved in the sustainable agriculture movement.

Hendrickson said some groups are opposed to the idea of sustainable agriculture because it requires a different way of doing business. She said that one of her jobs is to go out and talk to farmers about the advantages of sustainable agriculture.

“I’m interested in the economic viability of farmers,” Hendrickson said.

She wants to introduce farmers to the concept of direct marketing. Direct marketing allows farmers to sell their products directly to consumers without going through an intermediary. Selling vegetables at a farmer’s market is an example of direct marketing, Hendrickson said.

She said sustainable agriculture helps farmers in a time when there is an increased concentration in an agribusiness industry that relies on modern farming methods that cannot go on forever. She said sustainable agriculture reduces our reliance on the world food system.

“The global food system cannot survive long term,” Hendrickson said.

For students interested in becoming more involved in sustainable agriculture, MU now offers a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in sustainable agriculture..

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