Small farms in America are disappearing. This has been happening for a long time and is getting worse. The government wants to make more food, so small farms are becoming bigger and more efficient. This means there are fewer farmers and we are losing local food traditions. Fertilizers, new machines, and science are also making this happen.
When small farms disappear, it affects our food and health. Small farms give us fresh and healthy food, and they also help keep local food traditions, support rural communities, and protect the environment. When small farms disappear, we lose different types of plants and animals, the soil gets damaged, and we depend more on chemicals.
The COVID-19 crisis has shown that our food system is weak and we need to make it stronger and more sustainable. We need small farms that use natural methods, are self-sustaining, and grow organic food. We also need to support local food businesses and give fair prices to farmers.
We need to fix the reasons why small farms are disappearing. This means looking at the economic, social, and environmental parts of growing and using food. We need farmers, people who make rules, scientists, and consumers to work together. By working together, we can make a food system that is good for people and the earth.
Comprehension
1) What is happening to small farms in America?
2) How does the disappearance of small farms affect our food and health?
3) What is the solution for creating a more sustainable food system?
Vocabulary
Match the words to the definition:
1) disappear
2) worse
3) become
4) fewer
5) environment
6) economic
a) related to money
b) to change into something else
c) less
d) something doesn’t exist anymore
e) the natural world
f) the comparative form of “bad”
Grammar Highlights
Use present perfect tense to talk about actions in the past that are still true now
“The COVID-19 crisis has shown that our food system is weak”