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Examines local food movement activism in a period of increasing climate chaos and neoliberal crisis, economic inequalities and political divisions
In the face of numerous challenges, small-scale farming for local markets requires enormous courage and optimism. The decision to become a farmer often arises from a profound desire to uphold certain values and beliefs, driven by the moral and emotional motivations to contribute to a greater good.
Central New York’s local food market draws a unique cohort of individuals who see farming as more than just a livelihood; it is a way to define a good life and contribute to the well-being of the society they cherish. Their moral order revolves around shared beliefs in sustainability and stewardship of the land, emphasizing health and risk management, cooperation over competition, and a deep sense of justice. For these farmers, relationships and family ties are foundational to their work, creating a strong sense of community within the local food system.
This book delves into the captivating world of local food markets in a “Rust Belt” region of the state, where 51 individuals representing 45 different farms, restaurants, agricultural non-profits, and local food retailers share their inspiring stories through conversations and interviews. Author Stephen Ellingson explores the intricate web of moral commitments, self-understandings, and emotional experiences that drive and sustain small-scale farming for the local food market. By amplifying the voices of these unsung heroes, it gives recognition to the crucial role they play in society and offers important insights into the values that underpin their contributions to the local food system.
"Planting with Purpose describes how individuals stay motivated to participate in New York’s local food markets during difficult financial times. The book explains how values connected to ‘a good life’ shape participation in markets with high levels of risk and uncertainty. This is a great book showing the utility of a sociological perspective that challenges mainstream thinking about the economy. It points us towards a framework where culture and morality are central in helping us re-imagine sustainability in markets."
"Farm-to-table eating and locavore diets are among the most popular food trends, but what exactly does ‘eating local’ mean to those who produce the food? In clear and compelling prose, Ellingson reveals the ethical codes and ideals of the local food movement, how they embody a critique of industrialized food systems, and the communities of eaters and growers that emerge from that moral ground."
"Ellingson confirms that food is more than a capitalist commodity. By emphasizing the morals anchoring local food projects, this book encourages us to think beyond ethical consumption at the grocery check-out -and better appreciate the moral commitments of food producers. This book is an essential and timely contribution for anyone interested in the sociology of food, culture and morality."
"The extensive qualitative study provides a deep dive into the lives of local food producers and therefore provides a contribution to our understanding of emotions and values within food production. Ellingson shows the impact of identity, morality, community, and emotions on social action, and therefore also places this book well among research in social action and movements."
"A methodologically rich project … Ellingson convincingly demonstrates how emotions and morals, born from a connection to land, plants, animals, and people, are a decisive force in efforts to imagine and enact food systems beyond those enabled through capitalism."