The disappearance of small farms in America has been happening over time and has gotten worse in recent years. The government’s desire to produce more food during the Cold War led to smaller farms becoming bigger, more efficient operations. This caused a decrease in the number of farmers and a loss of local food traditions. The use of fertilizers, new machines that save work, and using science to make animals grow faster also added to this trend.
The loss of small farms has a big effect on our food system and our health. Small farms not only give us fresh and healthy food, but they also play a big role in keeping local food traditions, supporting rural communities, and protecting the environment. The disappearance of small farms has caused a loss of different types of plants and animals, harm to the soil, and a bigger dependence on chemicals.
The COVID-19 crisis has shown how weak our food system is and the need for a more sustainable and strong food system that can make sure we have enough food and make people healthier. A sustainable food system should have small farms that use natural methods and grow organic food. To make a more sustainable food system, we must look at the economic, social, and environmental parts of growing and using food.
Comprehension
1) What is the main reason for the disappearance of small farms in America?
2) How does the loss of small farms affect our food system and health?
3) Why is it important to have a sustainable food system, and what are some of the key elements of a sustainable food system?
Vocabulary
Match the words to the definition:
1) disappearance
2) decrease
3) trend
4) role
5) environment
6) soil
a) your part in an activity
b) to go down in number
c) something that is popular at the moment
d) when something doesn’t exist anymore, noun of disappear
e) the natural world
f) dirt or earth, used mainly when discussing plants
Grammar Highlights
Use present perfect continuous for past actions that are continuing to happen:
“The disappearance of small farms in America has been happening over time”
Use the base form of a verb after a modal verb:
“…we must look at the economic…”
“…we must to look at the economic…”