I had an amazing time at TableTop Farm. The farm’s business plan, layout, and inventive farming techniques need to be implemented at more farms. I was incredibly impressed. Not only did they represent the art of farming, working the land with their hands not chemicals, but they also adapted a realistic approach towards farming. They farm organically because they do not want to handle potentially harmful chemicals and also because there is a market for their products. Technically speaking, how much do local foods or farming organic actually help the earth? Chris, who is in charge of planting, discussed both topics in some depth, but he was especially open with whether organic planting processes are better for the earth than the use of chemicals or pesticides. Sometimes to ready the ground, he has to till the land ten times – how is that better than two passes with added chemicals. Which is the worse evil: over-tilling or using chemicals? Unfortunately, the stereotype is that conventional farmers are hurting the earth and organic farmers are hippies. It is not black or white. Both practices have their positives and negatives. Furthermore, “lowering your carbon footprint” has been an overused phrase uttered out of the mouths of trendy foodies. When many farmers and families drive to one location to sell food or purchase it (using their cars), how is that lowering the total carbon footprint? Furthermore, driving to a hip restaurant located an hour away drop off ten pounds of parsnips is local, but using plenty of fossil fuels per unit. Chris mentioned that this was a request of Table Top he actually fulfilled. Many alternative farming techniques are winning acclaim in the media: free range, grass fed, organic, non-GMO, no pesticides/ fertilizer, etc. How can the average consumer know what to buy without traveling all the way to Iowa or a local farm? In short, I love the art of organic, the style and especially knowing my food hasn’t been processed from Hong Kong and back. But in the long run, what is better for our earth and which method can feed the people?